Mulberry Creek Herb Farm

Bay Leaf 5”

Laurus nobilis


'Fess up - How many of you are guilty of dried out, ancient bay leaves? Leaves loose 50% of their flavor in just 6 months. Reward yourself with sweet, fresh leaves. The difference is amazing! Fresh bay adds full flavor to stews, sauerkraut, beef, pork and coupled with red wine, are the secret to terrific spaghetti sauce. Grow directly in the ground for maximum growth. Dig up and repot in the fall for an ideal houseplant.

ELFIN HERB

Cuphea hyssopifolia
Years ago Ben asked Mark, "What da name of dat pretty flower?" He told Ben who responded as any 3 year old would, "Why?" "Because," Mark said,"fairies like to use the flowers as pretty little hats and then elves, who like to play tricks, fly by and snatch the flowers right off the fairies' head and get them to chase the Elfin."

These are very easy plants to grow, thriving in full shade to partial sun. As well suited to mixed containers as bedding plants. After one growing season, you can create an amazing bonsai tree by simply removing the lower leaves. Faerie nice!

Mint, Apple

Mentha suaveolens


Fluffy, upright posture with almost dusty green foliage clumsily describes this mildly apple scented mint. I most often use the soft, prickly leaves in my herb infused water, lemonade or tea (hot or cold).

Mint, Orange

Mentha aquatica `Citrata'


Bronzy green, round leaves make the best flavored drinking water. (just harvest, wash, squeeze, pop into a pitcher of water, refrigerate for 4-6 hours and enjoy). Refreshing citrus flavor for fruit salads, beef, and cookies. Marinate leaves or blue flowers in vinegar to eat or bathe in! Good flea and ant repellent.

Rosemary, Arp

Rosmarinus officinalis `Arp'


Perhaps the hardiest of all varieties, however, our winter breezes are still too stiff. In the past, we wrote about it's rangey form, but frankly, this year it was thick & well branched. Go figure. If you're in zone 6 or warmer, it's worth a try outdoors in winter. Leaves & blooms enhance jams & orange sauce for poultry or lamb.

Rosemary, Arp 5in.+

Rosmarinus officinalis `Arp'


Perhaps the hardiest of all varieties, however, our winter breezes are still too stiff. In the past, we wrote about it's rangey form, but frankly, this year it was thick & well branched. Go figure. If you're in zone 6 or warmer, it's worth a try outdoors in winter. Leaves & blooms enhance jams & orange sauce for poultry or lamb.

Sage, Berggarten Variegated

Salvia officinalis 'Variegated Berggarten'
Mark gained this cool variegated plant from Scott Kresge (Emily May Garden Shop in Pen Argyl, PA) at the Herb Society of America's Cleveland Conference. Just as winter hardy as 'Berggarten' with clean, blue-green and white variegation on a leaf that is closer to the slender outline of straight S. officinalis. Prune out anything that reverts.

Sct. Geranium, Old Fashion Rose

Pelargonium Graveolens Group'
Rose ScentedFor baking and jellies, I usually reach for this leaf first. Infuse chopped leaves in warm liquids, filter and use to flavor sauces, jellies, jams, sugars or in a facial wash, as Victorian women did, for pale com-plexion. Add pink flowers to salads or leaves to potpourri.