It's Thyme to Plant....Herbs! Flowers! Veggies!

I love my herb garden. It's so satisfying on many levels. For one thing, it's fun to create something out of almost nothing. I grow most of my annual herbs from seed. It's inexpensive to garden with seeds. I bought my Ferry Morse Basil seeds at a local grocery store for only $1.79. I will get at least 4 beautiful basil plants for myself and may have some to give away, too! To make it almost foolproof, start your seeds in a window box or large, heavy (clay) pot. That way, when it's time to thin the seedlings and transplant them, you can easily see what you are doing. If I plant seeds directly into the garden soil, sometimes it's hard to know what's coming up! If you plant some seeds right now you will have fabulous flavor for your food all summer long and plenty to save for over the winter. Stay tuned for my fresh pesto recipe that freezes beautifully!

In our mild Virginia climate, I've now had my thyme and garlic chives "become" perennials. They do die back a little in the coldest part of the winter, but after I cut them back in the early spring, they start "greening" up. This is not technical talk, I don't know if anything can "become" perennial, it's just what's happened in my garden. The garlic chives I've had now for about 7 years, and unless it's below freezing, I can cut them almost year round. They make a pretty garnish, snipped over potato dishes and add real flavor to roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Fresh thyme is nice too, and a little goes a long way.

Rosemary is a true perennial, and will become a bush if you let it. Mine is now about 9 years old. I brought it to this house from my last home, in a big pot. I use it all year round, and when I cut it back, I keep the stems and put them in the chiminea for a wonderful, aromatic experience outside on the patio. Fresh rosemary is a real taste treat on roasted chicken, in stew or roasted veggies. It's easy to grow and looks great in your landscape or garden.

For pretty summer color all season long, try planting Cosmos. They are an old-fashioned, annual flower, with dainty fern like foliage and multi-colored flowers. You will often see pink, lavender, deep rose, white and burgundy all on the same plant! They are drought resistant and can stand up to the elements. I often put them out by my mailbox, which is in a sunny, hot spot right next to the road, and they do beautifully. They make good cut flowers too. You won't often find cosmos in a cell pack at the garden center, so you've got to try seeds if you want them.

Let me say, that I believe the secret to success in my garden at least, is dehydrated, composted cow manure. I always spread several bags over the garden after I dig it up each spring. It's only a few dollars a bag, and you will reap big rewards for spreading a little...uh.....manure.

Good luck and get gardening! It's fun, it's tasty and it's exercise, too! It's a win-win situation!

Keeping Fit in Cold Weather

I like to walk and garden, both outdoor activities. So, when the weather is frigid, as it has been recently in Virginia, getting in my exercise is a challenge. With our current economic situation, joining a gym or a club is not an option. So, I have to be creative to get in a little exercise.


The last few days, I've done what one of my 80+ year old aunts does: I've "indoor walked". This aunt is a lifelong exerciser and she looks great and keeps herself in good shape. She loves to cook and eat, as do I, and balances that out with activity. She said she used to walk outside, but there were so many potholes, fast drivers and loose dogs, that she began getting in her exercise this way. As she explains it, put on a show you enjoy (she likes talk shows in the morning) on 2 different TV's in different parts of your home. I like it if one is upstairs and one is downstairs, but this is not the most necessary part. Begin marching in place in front of one, breathing deeply and raising your arms slowly, up and down. Continue until there is a commercial, and get moving, around the house, up and down the stairs. When the commercial is over, stop in front of one of your TV's, and continue marching, picking up the pace, raising your arms, doing a few leg lifts, adding a dance step or two. I use hand weights, but soup cans would work to up the intensity level a little bit. Keep this up for 30 minutes. At the end of the 30 minutes, I get on the floor and do a few crunches, some more leg lifts and some stretches, something I know she does also. And guess what? You've exercised. Don't like TV? Put on some fast paced music.


Now, I admit this can "feel" a little goofy, and yes, it looks a little goofy too, but in the grand scheme of things, who really cares?