Angelica

Origin: Northern Europe

Cultivation: Angelica requires a sheltered, shaded position and rich, moist soil. Sow fresh seed in autumn, or as soon as seed becomes available. The tall flower stems may require staking.

Uses: All parts (including the roots) can be used, but the young stems are particularly flavoursome and aromatic in deserts and can add flavour interest to salads. Candied angelica stem is used in cakes and as a decoration, and angelica essence is used in making liqueurs such as Chartreuse. The plant was valued for its medicinal properties in Medieval times as a treatment for various infections, indigestion and flatulence.
Bay Tree (Laurus nobilis) also known as Sweet Bay or Bay Laurel

DESCRIPTION: The Bay Tree is a large evergreen tree which grows to approx. 15m. The leaves are dark green, tough and very aromatic. Sprays of little greenish-cream flowers appear in spring and are followed by small black berries.

Borage The Gift Of Nature

Name: Borage (Borago officinalis)

DESCRIPTION: A tall (to 1m) soft-stemmed herb with bristly stems and large hairy leaves. The flowers are brilliantly blue and star shaped.

ORIGIN: Syria

CULTIVATION: Borage is one of the few herbs that prefer a semi-shaded spot, though it will grow in full sun. It needs shelter from strong winds as it is easily blown over. Soil should be moist, loose and friable. Seeds germinate in all seasons except very cold winters. The plant is an annual but self-seeds easily.

USES: Leaves have a fresh cucumber flavour and can be used in salads (use young leaves), drinks and in soups. An infusion of the leaves makes a refreshing tea. The flowers can be added to salads and make beautiful crystallised decorations for cakes and desserts. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and traditionally were symbolic of courage. Embroidered bees and borage flowers were often used to decorate the scarves of knights going into battle