Herb of the Month December 2011 – Sage

Summer is here at last, and what better herb than Sage to plant in the glorious sunshine, and with so many varities of Sage to choose from you’re spoilt for choice.

Sage Officinalis is a fantastic, versitile herb which can be used as a light, balsamic tea or as its traditionally used, mixed with onion for poultry stuffing creating the perfect accompanyment to a Christmas lunch. The flowers are also edible and have been known to relieve indigestion and night sweats.

Sage Pineapple grows flowers which make a delicious addition to a fruit salad; similiar to Sage Officinalis, its leaves can also make a great herbal tea.

Sage Purple can be added to a variety of stews, sauces and stuffings and may also help to reduce sweating.

Finally, Sage Varigated, like Sage Officinalis is used in stuffing for poultry and also makes a delicious accompaniment in pork dishes. It is also thought to make a good gargle for sore throats.

All Sage varities prefer a warm, sunny location. The soil must be light and well drained and its essential that its kept well pruned.

For more information on Living Herbs, the range of herbs it produces, growing tips, and tips, and recipes go to

HERB OF THE MONTH FEBRUARY 2012 – THYME COMMON

This February why not add Thyme Common to your herb garden. This useful yet delicious herb is the perfect plant to grow and makes a very attractive addition to your garden.

Thyme Common is such a versatile herb and is used in every day cooking; it is especially good with meat, casseroles and pizza. The leaves can be used as a tea to ease coughs and colds and aid digestion; it can even help flatulence and diarrhea. Thyme’s antiseptic and antifungal effect is also used to relieve stomach complaints.

To get the best results from your Thyme Common make sure it gets plenty of sun and neutral to alkaline soil with good drainage. It produces small purple and white flowers that are a great attraction to bees and benevolent insects and makes a pretty border to your garden.