Herbs: B

Basil’s Greek name ‘Basileus’, means ‘King’, indicating its royal position amongst herbs. The warm, spicy flavour of basil ‘sends cooks into poetic raptures’ and complements salads, most tomato dishes, egg plant, marrow, rice and mushrooms, to name only a few. Basil has a special affinity with tomatoes.

Plant them together in your garden. Basils are tender annuals, and grow best in a warm, sunny, sheltered position. Protect from frost, scorching and mid-day sun. Moist, rich, well-drained soil is preferred.

At last – a genuine dwarf monarda!   Developed at Morden Research Centre in Canada.   A multi-branched plant, just 30 cm tall, which does not run like other vigorous varieties.   Clear pink, Summer flowers over mildew-resistant foliage.   Perfect for the small garden.   30 cm.

Very spectacular, flowering, aromatic herbs, of great ornamental value in the herb garden, and excellent cut.  Both leaves and flowers are edible.  Use fresh leaves in salads, fruit dishes, and wine cups.  Infuse leaves and flowers (about 5 per cup) to make a soothing tea.   Young leaves used as a substitute for sage or rosemary, and in Oswego tea.   Not the source of bergamot oil, but similar in fragrance.   Grows well in sun or shade, but requires moisture for it has shallow roots.  Attractive, whorled flowers, with conspicuous stamens.  Perennial, which spreads by runners.   All WD.

‘Cambridge Scarlet’ is Bright scarlet, recommended for flavour for tea etc.