14 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Wadnesday, June 22, 1977 ret Hah Pinch, rub and savour exotic herbs by Betty Deeth A visit to the rock garden of Mrs. Christine Orlob of Reach Township is a sense- * awakening experience. Un- like," "Don't Eat the Daisies" she encouraged the writer to pinch, rub, bite, smell and savour the leaves and flowers of the different herbs growing there. In answer to the question of what is a herb, Mrs. Orlob replied it is simply a plant you can cook, or use of medicine, or use for its fragrance, and is especially useful for women. Herbs have been used for cent- uries; a fact born out by a book in her possession that is a reproduction of a seven- teenth century one in gothic script in the German lang- uage. The interest in plants and herbs resulted from the work of Mrs. Orlob's late husband, Dr. Gert Bernhard Orlob when he was a professor of botony at the University of Toronto. At that time, they lived in Pickering and they planted in their own garden, varieties that they could study. He was interested in scientifically proving whether the "old wives' tales' about different plants were true or not. At the University, Dr. Orlob initiated a plant disease clinic to help home gardeners in the Toronto area. He was a plant patho- logist, involved in the bio- logical control of pests and viruses. He was also on the scientific team that experi- mented on the effect of space travel on micro- organisms. Christine has a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Vienna, College of Agricul- ture. Last winter she taught an adult night school class at Durham College, "Gardening with Herbs" which she plans to teach again this fall. Another course she will teach there bial g Eo Foil : Sitting in the garden with a cup of tea and old is entitled "Nutrition To- day", for which she is well qualified. "I love to cook", exclaimed Christine, "and I love to use herbs to enhance the flavour of the food.". She pointed out that in the Spring, the French Sorrel leaves can be chopped and SEE boo used in a superb omelet; the Salad Burnet is used for salad greens; Lavage for soup; and teas can be made from Lemon Balm, Bergamot and Mint, Sweet Woodruff leaves are added to champagne as is the custom in Vienna to make a Maibowle (May wine). k. The tea is made from dried peppermint leaved grown by Mrs. Orlob in her garden. She lives in Reach Township, is a native of Vienna and teaches a course at Durham College on growing and caring for herbs and special plants. STAR Stationery Office Supply 191 Queen Street - Port Perry, Ont. 985-8123 A Division of Port Perry Star Co. Lid. See Us Today For All Your OFFICE SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS REPAIR SERVICE T0 ALL MAKES & MODELS OF OFFICE MACHINERY. There are varieties of parsley, sage, chives, oregano, dill, tarragon and thyme, growing in the garden, which she dries or freezes for use, Last fall, the C.B.C. Radio Noon show asked the listen- ing audience for. ideas for a prize for the largest pump- kin contest and Christine offered to cook a Viennésp. dinner for twelve. They accepted her offer, not for the winners of the pumpkin contest, but for the winners of a Christmas contest, She prepared an authentic Viennese Christmas dinner for twenty-six people at her lovely country home. The rock garden has a southern exposure and for this reason protection for tender new plants from the hot rays of the sun is some- times needed. - This is when Christine plants the perky little red.-and white polka- dot umbrella to provide shade. No chemicals are used on the garden, only natural fertilizers, and insect pests are removed by hand. Christine spends many hours tending this rockery, resulting in completely week-free, strong, healthy plants. J Sj Sf Su Sn fun Sn Sw Se Sef Sn Se SS SNA few SS en Su jp pea se "The Stinging Nettle plant can be used as a vegetable like spinach', Christine points out. " *"The roots have the ability to improve the surrounding soil."' = Her favourite plant is the lovely purple Lavender, which she dries for winter bouquets and sachets. Eau de Cologne can. be made from a Lavender infusion. = The vigorous 'Tansy' can be used for - making hot compresses to reduce 'swell- ing, for dying shades of yellow and green and is a natural companion plant that repels flies. | The Pyretheum plant is a natural insecticide which is contained in some ¢ommer- cial garden sprays. Mari- golds biologically control nematodes, and Fennel has the capacity to' suppress other plants, Christine .Orlob has a fascinating hobby ' working in her Herb Rockery. Her collection: of books on the subject accompany her to . the garden and she con: . stantly refers to them, prov- ing and disproving the facts they contain by careful observation. : She generous- ly shares slips of plants, seeds and information' with anyone interested. CONCRETE Basement Floors Garage Floors ) Patios - Sidewalks } Concrete Steps oh J DON'S CUSTOM Quality Workmanship ye FINISHING INA 3 Estimates. J RA =X. - PHONE. { "9 58 985.2588 ¢ "MORTGAGE LOANS 1st Mortgages from 10%% 2nd Mortgages from 11%% No Salary Requirements. Homes-Cottages-Farms-Debt. MORTGAGES PURCHASED Call FRANK COULSTIN COLLECT i SUTTON (416-)722-8343 Completely Open. Consolidation T.F. Morris Pompili Mortgage Broker pS TRAVELWAYS | "SUMMER SCHEDULE EFFECT IVE JUNE 22,1977 featuring ; NEW IMPROVED SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL TRAVELWAYS AGENT BUS PARCEL EXPRESS SERVICE ON ALL DEPARTURES SWEETMAN'S TAXI PORT PERRY 985-7365 IO LY v ® | el La "> - " [ ow, LN ¥ i i er 5 Rp « | a y IS + #