The past two winters have been unusually cold and snowy here in New Jersey. The first cold winter killed the rosemary hedge in the Herb Garden at Rutgers Gardens. Actually, it was still alive when the snow melted. Just the tops that had been above the snowline were dead, having succumbed to the extreme cold. The rest of the plants … Read More

I’ve had terrible luck growing tarragon. The first year I tried growing it, the herbs around it grew faster than it did and shaded it out. So I moved it to the sunny edge of my garden where the landscapers mistook it for a weed and “helpfully” removed it for me. Obviously, the front of my house is not a … Read More

Now that the madness of Spring Flower Fair is over, I can get back to what I love most – growing and using herbs. But before I do that, I have one last story from the greenhouse. One of the herbs I sell, which has also become a favorite of mine, is Kent Beauty Oregano.  It’s an ornamental oregano, grown … Read More

Spring has been a long time coming to New Jersey this year.  The cold winter weather just doesn’t seem to want to leave.  Plants and bulbs are weeks behind.  There are a few signs of life in my garden. The catnip was the first to stir.            The catmint wasn’t far behind.         … Read More