Replies

You can use them anywhere you would also use basil, especially if the
recipe also called for citrus.

by coincidence, my recipe sharing group posted this recipe today. I’d
think that lemon or lime basil would be wonderful in this.

Orange Basil Butter

6 tablespoons butter at room temperature
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Combine all ingredients until well combined.
Use immediately or cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Harvesting Lavender [from thriftyfun newsletter]
Question:
I never seem to know when to cut my lavender to get the best fragrance. Also, what is the best way to dry it.
Hardiness Zone: 6b
Rose from Malvern, PA
Answer:
Rose,
Timing is everything when harvesting herbs for preserving and storing. The trick is to gather your herbs at the point in their growing cycle when the volatile oils they contain are the most concentrated. In regards to lavender, the parts of the plant usually harvested for fragrance are the flowers and leaves. Young, year-old plants should only be harvested lightly, if at all so they can focus their energy on becoming established. To harvest, pick the flower spikes in the early blossom stage before the flowers have fully opened. Do this early in the day (after the dew has dried) during dry weather. It will help facilitate the drying process if there is no extra moisture on them.
You can dry lavender in a couple of ways. The easiest way is to bunch several stems together, secure the cut ends with a rubber band, and hang them upside down to dry. Collect enough stems to make a 1-inch thick bundle. If you are worried about dust or losing a few leaves or flower petals, cover the ends of the spikes with brown paper bags. Cutting a few small flaps (observation windows) down each side of the paper bags will allow for plenty of air circulation.
When drying herbs, slower is better. Ideally, herbs should be dried over a period of 1-2 weeks in a room that is cool, dark, and dry. If space is an issue, try drying them on a cooling rack or screen placed over the top of a cookie sheet. The cookie sheet can them be stored somewhere out of the way like on top of your refrigerator or hot water heater.
Good luck!
Ellen
Plant Daffodils To Prevent Pests
If you are having trouble with something eating your flower bulbs, try planting daffodils around your flower bulbs. Daffodils are toxic to mice and voles. Worked great for me.Source: Tip by Gardening Made Easy
Rose Bushes Turning Yellow
Question:
Why are my rose bush leaves turning yellow all of a sudden?
Hardiness Zone: 7a
Ann from MA
Answer:
Hi Ann,
I agree with Elaine (in the feedback forum below). It sounds like your roses have experienced a fungal disease called Black Spot. Black Spot is a serious, but controllable, disease commonly seen in floribundas, hybrid teas, and grandifloras. For whatever reason, shrub roses don’t seem to be affected by it as much.
Black Spot is caused by fungal spores and typically occurs during warm, moist conditions when rainwater splashes the spores up onto the foliage from the ground. Black spots and yellow patches appear on the leaves, which then shrivel up and fall off. If left untreated, a rose bush can quickly lose all of its leaves.
To treat roses with Black Spot, remove any visibly infected leaves and throw them into the garbage. Composting is not recommended, as fungal spores can remain dormant for long periods. Fallen leaves lying under the plant should also be cleaned up and disposed of in the same way. To prevent Black Spot from spreading to more leaves, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 quart of water and spray the infected plants thoroughly. Severe infections can also be controlled with sulfur, which is readily available at garden centers.
You can’t control the rain, but you can help control the spread of Black Spot by mulching around your roses to help prevent water from splashing the plants. Water your roses as early as possible in the day so leaves have time to dry, or avoid wetting the foliage altogether by watering from below.
Good luck!
Ellen
When Will My Clematis Bloom?
Question:
How long before clematis starts blooming? I planted from a gallon container.
Hardiness Zone: 5a
Mike from Mercier, Qc.,Canada
Answer:
Hi Mike,
Clematis can take a year or two to bloom after first being planted, and will require at least several more years before reaching full maturity. A lot depends on the age and health of the plant you purchased, the growing conditions you provide for it, and how fast it’s able to establish roots after being planted. As the old adage goes, the first year perennials sleep, the second they creep, the third they leap. It sounds a bit corny, but it’s true!
Expect your clematis to need a minimum of one to two seasons of “settling in” before you see blooms. During the first year (while it “sleeps”), the plant will direct the majority of its energy into establishing a strong root system. A good root system is critical for a vigorous vine, so be sure to fertilize and water your clematis regularly (try a 5-10-10 fertilizer) This will create a good foundation for years of beautiful blooms, and before you know it, your new clematis will reward you with years of prolific blooms.
Try these links for more information on growing clematis:

General growing tips:http://www.clematisinternational.com/questoc.html

Searchable image database of clematis types:http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/new-clempicsearch.cfm
Good luck!
Ellen

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnHerbGarden/