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WHrTBY FREE PRESS, OUTDOOR LiVING, MAY 25,,1988, PAGE A7 KITCHEN GARDENING:t Perennial herbs to enhance meals 1By VERONICA COLANGELO Ii Even those who don't congider themselves gardening types like a few fresh herbs te enliven their meals. The use of herba can help to reduce saIt intake, something that, North Aznericans consume too much of. The taste of fresh herbs is so much btter than that of the dried version. And the cost of herbs, particularly fresb, is astrofiomical. Unquestionably, using herbs in their fresh form, is most desirable. But as'cold weather 1returns,, herbs can be preserved for winter use by dring or freezing them.* Generally speakxng, herbs are jvirtually undermanding and carefree. They will. grow in containers, and on window silîs. They are happy in a flower border or as part of the vegetable garden.y Man herbs tolerate poor, dry soil, while parsley, niint, and lovage will do well in moist soils. Herbs do not like strong winds and prefer a sheltered location, and like most plants, prefer a well-drained soil. Herbs ready te transplant into the garden are available at garden centres everywhere and are a good bet, particularly with the perennial varieties, since most of us only needs a plant or two of any one variety. With the notable exception of French Tarragon, almost al perennial herbs can be started reliably from seed, though the process is more time consuming. You wilî see seed for tarragon in packages, but this variety is the / Russian type and very inferior compared« to the French culinary type. Since French Tarragon is a hardy perennial in our climate, I recommend purchasing a plant that is marked French Tarragon. It won't be long before you have a large clump that can be split with friends and neighbors. What follows is a rundown of perennial herbs that are reliably hârdy in Durham Region. Lemon Balm is an attractive plant, with bright green leaves that have a distinct lemon fragrance and taste. Use anywhere a lemon flavor is desired. It makes a soothing tea. Lemon balm will grow in a sunny or partially shaded area and self seeds from year to year. Bergamot or- Monarda also known as '"bee balm" bas an attx<..tilve îhowy flower that can be bright red te, shades of lavender. It grows to about three feet taIl and spreads dependably from year te year. Bergamot is used te flavor "'Earl Grey Tea" and the leaves can also be added sparingly te salads. The flowers are edible and provide an unusual and beautiful garnish. This plant attracts bees and hummingbirds. This is one herb that is easy to start from seed. Chives --what would a baked potate be without sour cream and chives? Chives are very hardy and indispensable in the kçitche. They are used for their miîd onion flavor in salads and other First alid for bee, wasp stings Bee and wasp stings can be fatal. If the victim shows signs of an allergic reaction (swelling around the eyes and mouth, hives, severe nausea and difflculty breéathing), seek medical aid quickly. Start artificial rspiration if necessary and take precaution -te prevent shock (reassure victim, keep warm.) If there is no allergic reaction to the sting, remove the stinger by using tweezers. Remove the stinger by depressing the skin around the puncture. Avoid squeezing it. A weak ammonia solution or a solution of bicarbonate of soda may be applied immediately. If the sting is in the mouth, give a moutbwash of one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to a glass of water. If there is swelling, place the victim on bis aide and give him ice te, suck. Obtain medical aid. This short flrst aid skill is one of many taught by St. John Ambulance in First Aid courses. Call Shirley Spicer at 668-9006 or drop in and register for our combination firat aid and. CPR courses at 110 Ash St. in Whitby. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. te 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. forms of cooking. Garlic chives have a garlicky flavor and make a nice addition te butter. The flowers of both forrns of chives are edible as well as attractive in a salad, orM gded for flavoring to a bottle of whie' vinegar. 'After a couple of weeks the vinegar develops a lovely lilac color. The flowers also make an attractive addition to a floral bouquet. No, they don't smell like onions in the vase! Horseradish -if you have a large garden, grow horseradish. Once established it's yours forever. The plant grows to about two feet talI and bas feathery leaves. The roots of an establisbed plant can be dug up at anytimete be grated and combined with a little vinegar or lemon juice niake a great condiment for roast beef. Make sure you leave somne root in the garden to continue growing, aîthough my experience bas been it's aîmost impossible te eradicate. Lovazre is not a well enough known berb in Canada. Those with a European background appreciate the virtues of lovage. This plant bas a flavor somewhat like celery'. Used in salads, the flavor tends te be a little strong, but used as a flavoring in soups and stews, it's unbeatable. Lovage grows very taîl, up to six feet. Plants are easily started fromn seed and are sometimes available as transplants in garden centres. Lovage isn't fussy as to soil conditions and like most herba is virtually pest-free. Mint will take over your garden if you don't contain it, but it's a must for the kitchen garden. ID DES1GNED FOR MAANOEUVERABILITY I Centre articulated steering for unmatched mobiltiy. Low-profile cutting cleck and full front visibility. ENGINE 12 HP Br=Mi& Strattari GROUND SPEED nr IndustrlaLCamercial lit 4-Stroke Gasoline 2nd 1 3600 rpmn Speed Set (n oad) 3rd 1' DISPLACEMENT 28.4 cu. ln/465 cc 4th 3. CooUING sSSTEJAi r.Cooled-Duded 5th 7 ELECTPJCAL SYSTEM 3Aznp.l2 VotRers - Key.operated starter FUIEL CAPAIY 15 gals/7 litre POWER TAKE OFF (Front) sTEEiNG SYSTEM TRANSMISSION Te 9M Hokn St. qq* a t Burns q Quartz halogen headlight En¶ ne dresen with mechanIcal duch Centre articutted with 36* turning radius 5 speeds fo.ward/1 reverse Heavy-duty direct-drive Peeeis transaxie GROUIND CLEAANCEFront 6V.Atear 61,ý WHIEEL BASE 36» GROSS WEIGHT 487 Ibsr22l kg POWER SHUT-01F Dseigages when opealor leaves seat 1 ý,t . il Box J189, Brooklln, Ontario LOB iCO (416) 655- 8401 or 655-4401 Mon. t o Fri 8a.m. - 5:30p.m., Sat. 8a.m. - noon. Its uses are many: mint jelly or mint sauce, in fruit salads, in tea and as a garnish in cold drinks. Mint is one of the few herbs that tolerates shade. There, are mnany types of mints available such as peppermint, spearmidnt and applemint. SOregrano is similar in flavor to the annual herb, marjoramn. It is used extensively in' Italian cooking, such as spaghetti sauces and pizza. Oregano grows slowly and likes a well drained soul in a sunny location. Sage -is a great addition to stuffings and poultry dishes. It is an attractive plant that bas a shrubby appearance. The common variety bas a grey green leaf and is very much at home in the flower border. There is a purpie leaf variety and a variegated one with a purpie and green leaf,' that is also worth seeking out. .Salad Burnet is not a wel known herb and should be used more extensively. It bas an attractive fern-like leafand its flavor is similar to cucumber. The plant atteins -a beigrht of one te two feet and sports red flowers in the summer. Although it does best in fulli sun, this herb will tolerate a shady locate. Thyme --there are a number of varieties of this herb, lemqn, common garden and caraway being a few of them. Ail thymes have a creeping habit. and make good ground covers. They are a good possibility for rock gardens. Thymes tend *te remain evergreen over winter, and cain often be harvested under the snow. Thyme is used in salads, salad dressings, soups and stews. ANIESR $100I MONTLYSOPIGSP à Deene., rA 5515 Thikso* RodqNorth- Brook i. q a *a a a a iph km/h .77 124 .11 1.78 .64 2.62 3.65 585 .71 12.34 .18 1.89 IMM Ij,ýoii,-Sliaw il mon IL-2