Comfrey is such a great healing herb, the roots and leaves contain Allantoin, a substance that promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration. A poultice of the leaves and or root can be used to heal wounds, burns, bruises, ulcers, dry irritated skin conditions and Read the rest of this entry »

We have been picking heaps of cucumbers from our garden lately; we have a variety called crystal salad. They are a round shape with firm creamy-yellow skin and white flesh. The crop was slow to start, I think the rain scared all the bees away, but eventually we were picking bucket loads of tasty cucumbers. The sweet basil and mint that are growing so well at the moment are calling to be partnered with these refreshing round fruits. The last of our pomegranates are picked and the seeds that are like little jewels will add a sparkle of red to top off a tasty salad.

Salad

4 round shaped cucumbers

1 shallot finely chopped

¼ cup mint

¼ cup basil

¼ cup of Lebanese cress

1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

I pomegranate

Dressing

1 tbsp Pomegranate molasses

1 tbsp lime juice

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp fresh grated ginger

1 tsp sesame oil

salt to taste

Method

First prepare the dressing, place all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well, taste and add salt. Set aside.

Cut the cucumbers in half and scoop out the flesh; be careful to keep the skin intact. (Discard the seeds)

Dice the cucumber flesh and put into a bowl. Add the shallots.

Roughly tear the herbs – mint, basil and Lebanese cress and add to the bowl, stir through the toasted sesame seeds.

Just before serving stir through the dressing, then spoon the salad into the cucumber halves for serving.

Top with the pomegranate seeds and serve.

Herbal tea is also commonly known as tisane or herbal infusion, it is prepared from a single herb or a mixture of various herbs. You can add fruits or spices to add that extra zing.

Herb teas can be made directly in a cup, in a tea pot, or a plunger or herb infusion mug. Read the rest of this entry »

The moisture in the air from our continual very wet weather has left a film of mould on nearly every surface. To remedy this I have made some herbal vinegar sprays to clean up with.

Vinegar is a cheap and safe way to clean surfaces around your home. It is free of toxic chemicals that many of the store bought cleaners contain. Read the rest of this entry »

I have been busy making herby decorations for Christmas gifts. The first one I tackled was lavender balls. These look and smell lovely hanging from the Read the rest of this entry »

On a recent trip to Melbourne we were wandering around St Kilda when we caught a glimpse of green. We made our way towards what we thought might be a nursery only to discover it was a community garden. Yippee! Read the rest of this entry »

I thought I would follow up from my last post 5 Reasons Herbs in Pots are hot with some information on how to grow herbs in pots.

Growing Herbs in pots is easy as long as you provide them with their basic needs, soil, nutrients, light and water. Read the rest of this entry »

I have added a few more pots to the garden in recent weeks. With all the rain we have been having, some of my herbs have become a little sad and soggy. Thyme and sage are two that have suffered with wet feet, so I planted some in pots and placed them in my garden, not too far away from the tap so when the weather is hot and dry they can be Read the rest of this entry »

There are a number of common herbs we can grow for chickens for general health. Herbs can also be used to treat chooks for infestations of worms, lice and mites. Read the rest of this entry »

I was first introduced to Curry leaves when I met Maria from Mudgeeraba Spices and Curry Blends . We both had a stall at the Mudgeeraba village market that was held on a Saturday about 20 years ago. I was selling herbs of course and Marie and Alan were selling spice blends, chutneys and jams that they made at their property at Mudgeeraba. Read the rest of this entry »