"My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view."  H. Fred Dale

Hello Fellow Gardeners,

I love the above quote by the gardening author, Fred Dale; it expresses a deep sense of humility, respect for other life-forms and, an underlying joy in life.

I hope you started your broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage seeds last week. Those of you in the DC area can start your eggplant and peppers seeds this week. Don't worry if you don't see the pepper seedlings for a while. They take the longest to sprout but just when you're about ready to give up on them, the will present you with two delightful little heart-shaped leaves.

I'm going to talk about herb gardening this week. Herbs are so versatile. They adapt well to being grown in pots but also do great in the garden. Many of them have pretty flowers that can make attractive additions to your flower garden or as ground covers or border plants. Herbs can also be grown year-round in the house and enhance your health as well as your menus.

A few general tips on growing herbs indoors:

Most of them like lots of light. So if you have a sunny southern-facing window sill, that's the place to put your indoor herb garden. Parsley and chives will tolerate less sunlight.  If you can't provide natural light, artificial light will serve the purpose but if you're going to use artificial lighting, give them 12 hours a day.  Here's a web-page about providing artificial lighting for your indoor plants. http://www.ehow.com/how_4490457_choose-artificial-lighting-indoor-plants.html

Some herbs require a lot of water while others seem to thrive on being ignored.
Cut herb plants back regularly to keep them growing and they will be happy to keep you generously supplied.

The following herbs can be grown indoors or out and offer a variety of life-enhancing benefits.

Basil: Basil has been credited with boosting the immune system, and is especially effective in combating upper respiratory conditions. For indoor growth, keep basil in a warm room, preferably about 75 degrees.

Parsley: Parsley offers many health benefits. It reportedly lowers both blood pressure and cholesterol, is anti-bacterial and removes uric acid from the muscles and joints thereby relieving and preventing rheumatoid arthritis. If you grow parsley as a container plant, it will fill it's container in short order. Snip off what you need and it will keep growing and growing. In the garden, parsley is one of the plants that will grow in partial shade

Coriander: This aromatic herb has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and is reportedly effective in curing a persistant cough. Coriander acts as a digestive aid and chewing the seeds will sweeten the breath.

Thyme: Thyme is also known as a cough remedy, used to combat bronchitis and asthma. It's antiseptic quality is effective on throat inflammation and is a common ingredient in mouthwash. Thyme is a low maintenance plant requiring minimal watering. It's pretty little white and lavender flowers make an attractive ground cover.

Mint: Mint grows like crazy and has many medicinal and culinary uses. It relieves the symptoms of cold and flu and soothes a sore throat. A warm cup of mint tea can be a welcome reprieve on a cold and snowy winter afternoon.

Oregano: Oregano is an antioxidant claimed to slow down aging. It has both anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. Oregano has a sedative effect. Taken in a mild tea it has a restful effect and can aid in attaining a good night's sleep. Whether grown on the window sill or in your garden, oregano loves the sun.

Chives: You can eat every part of chives. They're easy to grow and will tolerate less sunlight than most. Chives are reported to have a beneficial effect on the circulatory system. When flowers die down, cut back to 2-3 inches and chives will grow again.

Of course, there are a host of other herbs that can be grown either indoors or out. Many biodynamic varieties are available from Turtle Tree Seeds. You can start them now in the house and transplant them to an outdoor container or your garden in the spring. Or you can maintain a kitchen herb garden all year round.

Reflection: The Buddhists teach a virtue called Mudita. It is unselfish joy, finding joy in the happiness or success of others. We all like to feel happy so, at times when there may be very little joy in our own lives, the practice of Mudita can be a valuable asset to our lives. Children are naturals at Mudita. They love to make people smile and laugh. Most of us are inclined to lose that tendency as we get older and occupied with the “important” things like earning a living and changing the world but we can always call upon the Angel of Joy for a fresh shot of Mudita.

The Angel of Joy,

She who descends upon earth

To give beauty to all men.

For the Lord is not worshipped with sadness,

Nor with cries of despair.

Leave off your moans and lamentations,

And sing unto the Lord a new song:

Sing unto the Lord, all the earth.

Let the heavens rejoice

And let the earth be glad.

Let the field be joyful,

Let the floods clap their hands;

Let the hills be joyful together Before the Lord.

For you shall go out with joy

And be led forth with peace:

The mountains and the hills

Shall break forth before you into singing

                                                        Essene Gospel of Peace Book 2, page 42

Until next week,

Peace be with you,

Rose Mirabai Lord

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