Bees Love Herbs With Tiny Flowers

Not only are these herbs medicinal; the bees love them; and they may benefit from the medicinal properties as well. ( the jury is still out on that theory but if herbs have medicinal qualities that help humans it only stands to reason they maybe helpful to bees too.). Herbs provide pollen, shelter, nectar, protein, and carbs for the bees.
Basil, rosemary, and lemon balm have flowers that are tiny and will attract the bees. These herbs are also great in many dishes,herbal oils, and herbal vinegar. Some other herbs are: anise hyssop. Anise have small flowers in midsummer and can be used for a tea to aid digestion. Catmint has tiny purple flowers loved by the bees and hummingbirds and can be used for a tea to nourish the nervous system.
Happy Valentine's Day to you all.

Herb-Vinegar Combinations

Making your own herbal vinegar is so simple and inexpensive to make. I stick with apple cider vinegar but one can use and experiment with white wine , rice,or malt vinegar. Add about one cup chopped herbs of your choice to two cups of vinegar. Place herbs and vinegar in jar; put lid on and tighten. Let stand for about one week. Shake the jar every couple of days. Sample after about one week; if it is strong enough you can use it. If not let stand another week. One of the mistakes people make is not using enough of the chopped herbs. A couple sprigs is not going to do it. Have fun..Experiment !! Different herbs and different vinegars.

Another Reason to Love Herbs

Many Herbs bear beautiful blooms and using these in spring and summer flower arrangements takes little effort. Some herbs that can be grown and cut to put in arrangements are dill, rosemary, basil, oregano, and pineapple sage. Not only do they look sweet but they smell wonderful also. In addition try some of the mint family. Spearmint has a wonderful little little pink/lavender flower. Spring will be here soon in the land of Minnesota and soon we can plant our wonderful herbs outside.

Time to plant a few fun useful herbs.

Gather a few favorite pots, or splurge and buy some new ones. I like to plant at least three this time of year. Snow is melting and we have had some lovely warm weather here in Mn. Go to your favorite nursery or large retail store, to the garden section, and pick up some chives, basil, parsley, cilantro, sage, and or oregano seed packets. Fill pots with a good grade potting soil, enough to fill pots except for about one inch at the top. Sprinkle seed evenly around soil,  cover with one-quarter inch dirt, pat in place and sprinkle with water.
In no time your herbs will sprout and grow. Keep them inside for use and transplant them outside when weather is no longer under threat of freezing or just set them in a nice sunny spot right in the pots you have planted them in. 
You can have pots of herbs inside any time of year. Happy Planting !!!

After a few months off..I'M BACK

Since retiring from my full time position with Hollister Inc. I really feel that the time moves at least twice as fast. I know in my head that cannot happen but in my heart everything feels like it moves faster and the days fly by. I have accomplished getting my website updated and hope to market products beyond my friends and family soon. That audience however is so much fun and keeps me occupied as I am always meeting new and interesting people with an interest in natural herbal products. I have stated before and must state it again I feel like herbs are a little bit of heaven on earth and that there is an herb for nearly...no every ailment out there. I know some would debate that issue and that is alright am always up for a spirited conversation. Herbs in there natural, dried, or essential oil state have so many exciting uses.
Two helpful little hints this winter for those of you that endure, because we love it so much, the dry cold weather. Use and stick to Bath Oils for your winter baths which keep skin more moist and is not so drying. Remember to put moisturizer on when your skin is still damp..always do this to maintain soft skin.

A tasty sandwich

Use your leaves of basil and cilantro to make a tasty sandwich.
Chop basil and cilantro
Broil bread drizzled with olive oil till lightly browned
Add sliced tomatoes, chopped herbs to cover side of bread not broiled
Sprinkle with shredded cheese of your choice
broil again till lightly browned...You can vary this many ways, make up your own ideas and ingredient combinations.
Enhance your day using herbs !!
LaDonna

Herb Butters and Oils

Herbs mixed in butter can be spread on bread, vegetables, meats, and sauces.
Just chop up four to six tablespoons of herbs, your choice (basil,chives, dill, parsley, cilantro, thyme or sage) Blend herbs into butter (yes I have been known to use margarine) with a fork. Place butter onto wax paper and roll up. Refrigerate twenty-four hours. Slice the roll into pieces or shave into curls for serving, or just add to the dish you are making.
One of my favorite italian restaurants serves olive oil with sprigs of rosemary in it to compliment their french bread. It tastes wonderful and is easy to duplicate. Get one of those pretty oil bottles with spouts from Pier One, or any store you know that carries these, add fresh sprigs of rosemary and pour olive oil into bottle. Let set at least overnight. Pour onto pretty plate and dip your warm french bread in it. At the restaurant they also suggest adding ground pepper and parmesan cheese before dipping.
Happy Herbing !!