Weeds & Seeds Swap

Among the plants in my “everything” garden that is in the only sunny spot on our property is Sage. I call it the “everything” garden because there is no real rhyme or reason for what is growing there, there are herbs, vegetables, flowers, a rose bush, and somehow it all comes together.

The botanical name for the garden variety of Sage that I planted is Salvia (which means “to heal”) Officinalis. Even though it is a perennial, it becomes woody over time, and needs replacing. I replaced an older plant last year because it was woody and no longer produced many leaves.

My father was an epileptic, and I remember some years ago being sure to tell my mother not to give him sage, as it is contraindicated for epileptics.

Taken internally, Sage has been historically used for many things, including indigestion, gas, excess perspiration, excess lactation, sterility in woman, menopausal concerns, anxiety & depression. Externally it has been used to sooth bug bites, heal infections in the mouth (gums, throat) and skin infections.

Extracts of Sage have antioxidant properties.

Besides it’s medicinal properties, this herb is very aromatic, and a wonderful culinary herb, especially in meat dishes.

Here is a source for Sage in various forms:

Clary Sage Essential Oil
CC-A a combination that contains Sage
HSN-W a hair, skin, nails herbal combination
and of course Sage itself.

Thank you for reading!

Is it only in old movies that I’ve seen someone walk up to a soda fountain and ask for a Sarsaparilla?  Or a “Sasparilla” if you chose the common misspelling of the word.

The source of the delicious flavor in this drink is a vine, and the flavor is in the roots. These vines have long prickly stems and shiny leaves, and numerous reddish-brown roots. It is the deep roots of this plant that are harvested and prepared for brewing delicious drink, or tonic, with the flavor of root beer.

The vine grows in tropical areas, temperate zones, places like the Caribbean, and South American or Central America.

Medicinally, Sarsaparilla is traditionally used to support the circulatory system and the liver. It also has tonic properties and have been used traditionally for skin support. It may also promote normal digestion and appetite.

Click here for a source of Sarsaparilla in capsule form. Thank you for reading!

Claudia L. Meydrech, CN, Herbalist & ” The Happy Nutritionist“

I thought you might be interested in a couple of eBooks offered at eBook and Book Reviews and News for just $1.25 each. I manage this website, and would love to have you visit. If you have written a book or eBook, I can review it for you.

If you’re interested in more about the gardening eBooks, here’s a link to the post I added yesterday about an approximately 147 page eBook about Vegetable Gardening, it will lead you to the link with the book about organic gardening. Both are yours for just $2.50.

A few years ago, my mother gave what I thought was a miniature rose bush, but it is far from miniature now. I did trim it back a couple of years ago, but this year, it has put out new growth and is about 2 feet tall, still relatively small, but full of beautiful blooms. I have given this plant minimal care, to tell the truth, and would like to move it to a spot more appropriate. So I was happy to find this article on transplanting roses, and thought I’d share it with you.

By the way, this lovely rose is courtesy of Spring Hill Nurseries.

Transplanting Roses – Tips For Success

By: K. Finch

When is the best time to transplant roses? This is one of the most common questions asked by novice gardeners and one of the most popular topics discussed by dedicated Rosarians. There are no right or wrong answers and any experience gardener will have his or her own rules regarding this based on experience. There are general guidelines offering good advice for novices to follow, which can give successful results. However, it is a good idea to keep a record of the dates when you transplant your roses and observe their progress. This will give you a clear indication of which is the best time for you, to transplant your roses given the type of climate you live in.

For generally guidance, the best time to transplant roses is during a time when they are dormant. In northern climates this period falls at the end of the winter season. In a warmer climate transplanting can take place in late autumn or winter

Exposed roots can be transplanted any time as long as the temperature is above freezing level. Rose transplants will not survive if they are subjected to 10 degrees below 0 F. Container grown roses can be transplanted at any time of year but Spring is best, this will give the roots chance to spread and strengthen themselves before the winter sets in.

It is possible, although it goes against the general rule, for you to transplant roses before they become dormant. It isn’t always necessary to wait, if you don’t want to, you can transplant at any time during the growing season even during the height of summer.

If you cannot wait until the growing season to transplant your roses then you will need to put some safety measures into place to ensure your roses survive the ordeal. Before you transplant during the growing season, please follow these steps.

1) On the day before you plan to transplant your roses, give them plenty of water, making sure the roots are thoroughly wet; this will protect the roots and help them survive

2) Choose and prepare the ground before hand, making sure the area is in a sunny position. The soil needs to be enriched and nourished with plenty of peat and organic fertilizer.

3) Transplant your roses as soon as you take them from the ground. It is vital that the roots are not subjected to sunlight and dry air. If this isn’t possible, keep the roses in a cool dark place, never expose to sunlight or heat, as this will damage your roses irreparably.

4) When you have successfully transplanted your roses you must water them thoroughly. Roses need constant watering during the growing season especially if they are adapting to new ground. Never let the soil get too dry, especially in the height of Summer.

5) There is no need to add any further fertilizer until you see new growth. If you add fertilizer too soon, before the roots have settled, you risk damaging them. The fertilizer may be too strong for the roots at this time. Remember, your roses have just experienced a traumatic disturbance during transplantation.

If your roses are not at their best and are beginning to wilt do not replant them during the growing season, otherwise you risk damaging them further, and they will not survive.

Roses are one of the most beautiful and aromatic plants that you could have in your garden. To obtain the maximum from your roses make sure you choose their location carefully. A well positioned rose, which receives at least six hours sunshine everyday, plenty of air circulation, is in a reasonable quality soil which is not too waterlogged can produce the most beautiful flowers. As long as they are protected from freezing temperatures, have plenty of space for root growth and not overshadowed by other plants they will continue to grow year after year and give you the most amazing results and beautiful roses.

Author Resource: Check out The Joy of Rose Gardening now at http://www.roseflowergarden.com, to find great articles, advice, tips and much more on rose gardening topics.

Article From Selling With Articles

Yes, I spent some time in my garden this weekend. I planted a few more plants, and fed the plants for the first time this season, they needed it.

While I was out there, suddenly I thought of my Grandmother sitting next to me at the piano when I was very young teaching me how to play with one finger, and sing, “In the Garden”. I can still as clearly as can be hear her voice in mind. Here are the words, so appropriate for today, the Lord’s day:

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

I hope you enjoy some time in your garden, and spend a little time talking to Him, the one who created any beauty that surrounds you, and maintains it through you.

Saw palmetto is in the palm family, described as a “fan palm” at the popular website, Wikipedia. The leaves end with sharp teeth or spines that give the species its common name, “SAW Palmetto”. There are yellowish-white flowers, and the fruit is large & reddish-black. The genus of this plant is Serenoa, named after the botanist, Sereno Watson.

Saw Palmetto is used primarily to support glandular tissues (especially the prostate gland in men) and to maintain optimal balance in hormone levels. Scientific research validates its use for supporting prostate health. Click here to go to an article by the American Academy of Family Physicians for more information on the benefits of Saw Palmetto for the prostate.

Following is a source for Saw Palmetto:

Saw Palmetto in Capsule form

Saw Palmetto in a concentrated gelcap form

As you can see from the picture to the left, this is not  a plant that you’ll see in a little herb garden, or container garden.

Slippery Elm is the inner bark from an elm tree, that also goes by the name Moose Elm, Indian Elm and Red Elm. The tree is deciduous, and grows in various parts of the US and Canada.

This is among my favorite plant remedies. It is very soothing to an irritated intestinal tract, whether it be caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Colitis, diarrhea, constipation, or any condition similar, this is what I reach for. I use a tablespoon of a bulk powdered form, and shake it in a tumbler with water, and drink. It is good to drink right away, as this is a mucilaginous herb and will swell in the water….but it is this very property that soothes and coats the intestinal system. Sometimes I take it in capsule form with lots of water. I love the soothing benefits of this medicinal herb.

It is also a great balancer, helping whether you are dealing with constipation or diarrhea.
Many writings on the herb will tell you that it was eaten as a gruel by George Washington and his troops when they suffered through the bitter winter in Valley Forge. It is highly nutritious food source. It was also used as a survival food by American settlers.

Here are some sources for Slippery Elm:

Slippery Elm Capsules
Slippery Elm Bulk Powder
Stomach Comfort
Intestinal Soothe and Build
Everybody’s Fiber

Slippery Elm is also soothing to an irritated throat:
Zinc Lozenges

Thank you for reading, and happy gardening!