Mulberry Creek Herb Farm: Herbs, Recipes, Stories, Ideas and other things A-Z

Herbs, Recipes, Stories, Ideas and other things A-Z

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Echeveria Black Prince

Echeveria, Perle Von Nurnberg

Echeveria x 'Perle von Nurnberg'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 8a 8b 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Sun-P.Sun
Height: 8in. x 8in.
Water: Dry-Normal
Soil: Sandy
Common Uses:Jar-Gems TM, Container, Ornamental,

Succulent, antique red leaves (pads) are gathered into beautiful rosettes. When we put together combinations in strawberry jars, I appreciate the larger leaves and warm red color against the cascading ""Ice Plants,"" and tufts of ""Drabas."" White flower stalks enter each Spring.

Echeveria, Perle Von Nurnberg 5 in.

Echeveria x 'Perle von Nurnberg'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 8a 8b 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Sun-P.Sun
Height: 8in. x 8in.
Water: Dry-Normal
Soil: Sandy
Common Uses:Jar-Gems TM, Houseplants, Container, Ornamental,

Succulent, antique red, broad leaves (pads) are gathered into beautiful rosettes. When we put together combinations in strawberry jars, I appreciate the larger leaves and warm red color against the cascading ""Ice Plants,"" and tufts of ""Drabas."" White/pink flower stalks enter each spring.

Echeveria, Queen Mother's 5 in.

Echeveria pulvinata

Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 11 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b-1
Light: Sun-P.Sun to P.Sun
Height: 12in. x 12
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Jar-Gems"""""""" TM, Container, Ornamental

A gift from Mary, a customer of ours who “acquired” it from the Queen Mother’s personal garden. We love it since it blooms from Christmas through April, indoors. Flowers last for weeks, especially when held in a cool- cold window. Great plant for small containers on a hot sunny deck which should be brought indoors when your overcoat comes out in the fall.

Echeveria, Topsy Turvy

Echeveria 'Topsy Turvy'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 8a 8b 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Sun-P.Sun
Height: 8in. x 8in.
Water: Dry-Normal
Soil: Sandy
Common Uses:Jar-Gems TM, Container, Ornamental,

Got a friend with a black thumb? Encourage them to try Echeverias. This one is particularly interesting. In Ohio, we bring them indoors, find a sunny spot, neglect the watering and we're rewarded with wavy blue rosettes now and orange-red, bell flowers hung from sheperd hook flower stalks each Summer, after we kick them out. Plant in terra cotta pots or strawberries jars to bring out their flower color even more.

Echeveria, Topsy Turvy 5 in.

Echeveria 'Topsy Turvy'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Sun to P.Sun
Height: 12in. x 12
Water: Dry-Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Jar-Gems"""""""" TM, Container, Ornamental

Echinacea, Purple

Echinacea purpurea

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 2-3 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Flowers: Late Summer to Middle Summer
Common Uses:Butterfly, Cut Flower, Medicinal, Ornamental, Tea

We chose this herb as part of our logo because of its beauty and multiple use: the quintessential herb. 4"" large, purple, daisy shaped blossoms are held upright on sturdy stems. ""Echinacea,"" is one of America's favorite medicinal herbs for the colds and flu. You can imagine my face when Mark pointed to the newly purchased Vodka saying "" It's for medicinal purposes,"" but he wasn't kidding. He made a tincture by stuffing a canning jar with coneflower leaves and filled it with 100 proof Vodka. We placed it in the closet and shook it daily for two weeks. Tasted awful, but seemed to work for us and we take it by the dropperful. We use it ONLY at the onset of symptoms, or when we're exposed to ""snotty"" folks, then we quit taking it, within 3 weeks. Pick leaves before it flowers and harvest flowers in their peak. Some folks believe the roots are the most therapeutic, but we've used all parts, in their prime.

Echinacea, Tennessee

Echinacea tennesseensis

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: Full Sun to Sun-P.Sun
Height: 3-4 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Butterfly, Cut Flower, Medicinal, Ornamental, Tea

This Echinacea does not stop flowering. We predict that this species, which was almost dug to extinction, (and was placed on the National Endangered Species list) will become one of America's most popular flowering perennials. What a great medicinal herb too. It is similar to Echinacea angustifolia in its medicinal chemistry. Smaller flowers than other ""Purple Coneflowers"", but the petals on this variety turn upright and are darker purple rather than droopy and washed out.

Edelweiss

Leontopodium alpinum

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 2in. x 3
Water: Dry-Normal
Soil: Sandy
Flowers: Early Spring to Middle Spring
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Borders, Butterfly, Miniature/Faery Garden

Mark, having been born in Bavaria, Germany & now growing alpines, is obligated to grow this legendary ethereal, for which many a mountain climber died to bring these into cultivation. Too bad! These are rather short lived perennials, however, they usually self-sow the next generation before they perish. Great wooly white tufts. They appriciate well drained soil with plenty of air, naturally.

Elderberry, Black

Sambucus canadensis

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: Sun-P.Shade to P. Shade
Height: 10 Feet
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Flowers: Early Summer
Common Uses:Bees, Borders, Culinary, Edible Flowers, Hedges/Shrubs, Medicinal, Ornamental, Tea

This hardy small tree is loaded with 5"" white flower clusters in early summer which turn into small black tasty berries, rich in Vitamin C and used to make wine, jelly, and pies. Flowers can be used in a tea for colds, as a face wash, or battered and deep fried. Leaves can comfort minor bruises. Berries are best in pies (See our recipe) and immune building syrups, especially safe for children. The prime component of ""Sambucol"" (childrens' syrup) sold in health food stores.

ELFIN HERB

Cuphea hyssopifolia

Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 9b
Flowers: Early Fall to Early Summer to Late Summer to Middle Summer
Common Uses:Bonsai, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental, Topiary

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!

Elfin Herb, 5 in. Assorted

Cuphea hyssopifolia `Alba'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 8a 9a 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Shade to Shade or Full Sun
Height: 12in. x 12
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Flowers: Early Fall to Early Summer to Late Summer to Middle Summer
Common Uses:Baskets, Bonsai, Garden Railroads, Hedges/Shrubs, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental, Shade, Topiary

A radiant white version of other Elfin Herbs; Leaves are slightly darker and more narrow, and the entire plant is more compact. Tolerates both sun and shade better than ôPurple.ö Try it in a magical moon garden.P.S. Surely a faerie folk lengend by now.

Elfin Herb,Assorted Colors

Cuphea hyssopifolia 'Baby Pink'

As promised in 2003, here is a delicate ""pink"" version of the popular miniature tropicals that railroaders and faerie gardners admire. Like all of the ""Elfin Herbs"", it can grow as well in full shade or partial sun. However, flower color and quantity is better with at least some direct sun during the day. Great houseplant under some fluorescent lights for year round flowering!

Elm, Jacqueline Hillier

Ulmus carpinifolius 'Jacqueline Hillier'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 9a 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Sun to Full Sun
Height: 2' x 5' tall
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Bonsai, Garden Railroads, Hedges/Shrubs, Miniature/Faery Garden, Topiary

Elm, Mini Frosty

Ulmus parvifolia 'Frosty'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 9a 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Sun to Full Sun
Height: 3' x 3'
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Bonsai, Garden Railroads, Hedges/Shrubs, Miniature/Faery Garden, Topiary

Elm, Mini Hokkaido

Ulmus parvifolia 'Hokkaido'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 9a 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Sun to Full Sun
Height: 18in. x 9
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Flowers: No
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Bonsai, Garden Railroads, Hedges/Shrubs, Miniature/Faery Garden, Topiary

In 10 years, this elm tree will attain a maximum of 18 inches and be covered in 1/8"" leaves. In only a couple of years, it will already appear as a natural bonsai tree. As a houseplant or in warm climates, it is evergreen, or if grown cold, will be deciduous. Hardy down to 0 degrees F.

Elm, Mini Kimmie

Ulmus parvifolia 'Kimmie'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 9a 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Sun to Full Sun
Height: 3' x 6'
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Bonsai, Garden Railroads, Hedges/Shrubs, Miniature/Faery Garden, Topiary

Epazote /Bean-o Herb

Chenopodium ambrosioides

Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Sun-P.Sun
Height: 2-3 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary, Medicinal

Insist on this Mexican herb with any bean dish to “for-go the fireworks.” Use 1/4 cup chopped fresh leaves per kettle of stews, soups, & bean dishes during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking. Don’t worry about the unusual odor. I believe it quickly dissipates and imparts little flavor, if any, although others say they even like the taste. Absolutely necessary for black bean soup or chili.

Ephedra, Joint Fir

Ephedra refeliana

Cold Tolerance: Zone 11 5a 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun Only
Height: 3in. x 6
Soil: Sandy Sandy-Loamy
Flowers: Middle Spring
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Medicinal, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental

Sorry, but there is no buzz, or sinus relief from this dwarfed version. Instead you will enjoy its miniature ""Wild Horestail-like"" pipes, stacked on top of one another, with summertime red berries smothered in btween. Needs great drainage in winter.

Erigeron-Fleabane, Tiny

Erigeron scopalinus

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b
Light: Full Sun to P.Sun
Height: 3/4in. x 12in. wide
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy
Flowers: Early Spring to Early Winter to Late Winter to Middle Fall
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Garden Railroads, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental

We suggest you plant this ""Bellium/ Mini Daisy since it is strikingly similar in appearance, yet it blooms in the Fall, during mild Winters and Spring, which if the ""off season"" for ""Bellium."" That combination allows you to enjoy the white daisies nearly year round.

Erodium, Charm

Erodium chamaedryoides 'Charm'

Cold Tolerance: Zone b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Sun to Full Sun
Height: 5in. x 8in.
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Container, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental, Walk About

As this is the largest of our Erodiums and most free blooming, it is easier to see the resemblance to perennial geraniums, its distant cousins. In this catalog where big isn't neccesarily better, there's still room for this in a railroad landscape, larger container or the edge of a perennial border.

Erodium, Double Rose

Erodium chamaedryoides 'Dark Eyes'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 6b 7a 7b 8a 9a 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Sun to Sun-P.Shade
Height: 2in. x 4
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Flowers: Early Fall to Early Spring to Early Summer to Early Winter
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Bonsai, Container, Garden Railroads, Houseplants, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental

I spied it in a winter window-sill container with a rosemary tree and asked, ""Is that a true dwarf true geranium?"" ""Nope,"" Mark replied, ""but it is related"". Loves the same cultural conditions as rosemary (with a different texture), and rarely stops showing off its adorable bright pink, red streaked, fully double flowers. Hardy to only Zone 6 (with snow protection), it is ideal for indoor containers, flowering all winter.

Eucalyptus Lemon

Euonymus, Mini Creeper

Euonymus fortunei 'Kewensis'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 9a 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Sun to Sun-P.Shade
Height: 2in. groundcover
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Flowers: Late Summer
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Bonsai, Garden Railroads, Miniature/Faery Garden, Topiary, Walk About

Not only is this superior as a ""Walk-About"" between stepping stones, but it remains strong, often not going dormant, as a miniature ""wintercreeper"" outdoors in Ohio. Always welcome in indoor miniature gardens as well. Its tiny dark green leaves will add shades of scarlet in the fall.

Euphorbia, Pencil Fire Sticks

Euphorbia tirucalli var. rosea

Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun Only
Height: 2 ft x 2ft. wide
Water: Dry-Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Bonsai, Garden Railroads, Miniature/Faery Garden

We started to grow this beautifully colored ""Pencil Cactus"" for our Tropical ""Jar Gem"" collection, but after seeing it used in a California railroad garden in ""GARDEN RAILROAD"" magazine, we doubled the number of plants this year. Yes, they are truly red, orange, and yellow with a touch of pink in the cooler months. VERY HOT!!

Makes a great G-Scale tree for the south.

Eggplant- LISTADA de GANDIA*

Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary

(80 days)-

light pink-lavender with white shading, not bitter

HOW TO MAKE ELDERBERRY SYRUP TO AVOID THE FLU

From this most excellent website:
wellnessmama.com1888elderberry-syrup/
Author: Katie Wells

A simple elderberry syrup recipe made with dried elderberries, honey and herbs for an immune boosting and delicious syrup. Use medicinally or on homemade pancakes or waffles.

2/3 cup dried black elderberries or 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen 3½ cups water 2 TBSP fresh or dried ginger root 1 tsp cinnamon powder ½ tsp cloves or clove powder 1 cup raw honey

1. Pour water into medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
3. Remove from heat and let cool until it is cool enough to be handled.
4. Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or other flat utensil.
5. Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
6. Discard the elderberries and let the liquid cool to lukewarm.
7. When it is no longer hot, add the honey and stir well.
8. When the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a quart sized mason jar or 16 ounce glass bottle of some kind.
9. Ta-da! You just made homemade elderberry syrup! Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune boosting properties. Some sources recommend taking only during the week and not on the weekends to boost immunity.

Notes
Instant Pot option: Put all ingredients except honey in pot, seal lid, and set manually for 9 minutes on high pressure. Vent pressure and strain. When cooled to room temperature, stir in the honey.
Standard dose is ½ tsp - 1 tsp for kids and ½ - 1 tablespoon for adults. If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear.

Eggplant-Italian, BLACK BEAUTY*

Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary

(82 days)-

plump 6” pear-shaped “eggplant parmesan” fruit

Eggplant-Japanese, ORIENT EXPRESS

Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary

(58 days)-

10” glossy black, asian fruit; harvest thin & early

Eggplant-Japanese, SNOWY

Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary

(60 days)-

snow-white, 7” long, skinny, non-bitter fruit; bears early