Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Image Credit: gardenia.net There are many varieties of Basil, but many sources say that Sweet Basil is the variety that every gardener should grow: “This herb is known around the world for its wonderful fragrance and flavor. The key ingredient in classic Italian pesto, Sweet Basil has big leaves that are…
Category: Cottage Garden Living
Artemisia – Herb Named for an Ancient Greek Goddess
There are about 500 species of Artemisia. In this post, I’ll tell you about a few of those varieties, and I’ll tell you about the Ancient Greek Goddess Artemis. Diana and Cupid Painted by Pomeo Batoni at the Metropolitan Museum of Art 1761 “Artemisia was named for the Greek goddess Artemis. In Ancient Greek Mythology,…
Artemisia – White Sage – A Plant Traditionally Used by Native Americans
White Sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) Image Credit: gardenia.net Height: 12 – 36″ I love to share personal stories, and I have a story about how I discovered White Sage. Over the years, I have lived in many different parts of the country, and while I was living somewhere else, I was invited to a Native American…
How to Create a Small Classic Symmetrical Herb Garden – Free Plan
“Growing herbs means you’ll always have a fresh supply of delicious flavors and pleasant scents whenever you need them. Many of these plants are also quite attractive, especially when carefully selected and arranged to show off their beauty, as in this plan. This classic herb garden idea features several easy-to-grow aromatic plants that are pleasing to the eyes…
How to Create a Sense of Depth and Height in Your Garden – Also a Word about Raised Beds
Jacki Kellum Garden 2022 I subscribe to the gardening principle that gardens should be layered, with taller plants in the back, medium-sized plants in front of those, and the shortest plants in front of the other two layers. T in 2022, I was gardening in the Ozark Mountains, but in 2023, I moved to my…
What to Do in Your Winter Garden
Six years ago, I was living in New Jersey, and if you asked me what to do in my winter garden there, I’d say: “Nothing.” Gardening was not a January thing to do in New Jersey, but in Mississippi, the issue is a bit more complex. In fact, until today, I have worked in my…
How to Grow a Children’s Sunflower Garden
Years ago, I discovered the following free garden plan online at Better Homes and Garden. it requires a space that is about 6′ x 6′ and although it is supposedly a garden plan for children, I also think it is precious. 6′ x 6′ Because it is a beginner’s kitchen garden, I believe that…
How to Add Height to Your Garden
Jacki Kellum Garden 2022 I subscribe to the gardening principle that gardens should be layered, with taller plants in the back, medium-sized plants in front of those, and the shortest plants in front of the other two layers. The magazine Fine Gardening provided the following graphic to explain that tenet: Fine Gardening September and October…
Autumn Garden Chores – Getting Ready for Next Year’s Garden
The 2023 garden season is almost over in North Mississippi, and since I moved to my current home too late to have a successful garden here this year, I am doing several things now to get a jump on next year’s garden. For one thing, I have set up several raised beds, and I have…
How to Make Goldenrod Salve
Goldenrod has long been considered as a medicinal herb. Since I have moved to a house in Mississippi with a field of goldenrod growing behind it, I have decided that this fall, I’ll try making goldenrod salve. Following is a recipe for making herbal salves: How to Make Goldenrod Salve “Goldenrod is such a lovely…