The Essential Herbal - July/August '13

The latest issue of the magazine is whirling around out there, making its way into mailboxes across the country at a pretty good clip. If you are a subscriber, you should see it well before the end of June. If you aren't a subscriber, you can remedy that situation pretty easily by going to our website and getting yourself a subscription!
This issue is filled with all kinds of summer.  Lots of delicious recipes and instructions, some great crafting ideas, and the usual dose of lore, usage, and growing information.  Another perfect brew of herbal information splashed upon our pages!  We know you'll enjoy this one.  I found myself setting aside the work of editing and writing in order to do some of the projects that came in the articles - something I usually force myself to do AFTER we've gone to press.  

Field Notes

Perennial food gardening is a gradual, thoroughly satifying experience. 7 years in, it is starting to make a difference!

About the Cover

How do we cope with leaving behind beloved gardens?

A Bible Garden, Jackie Johnson

A fascinating look at what went into planning and executing a public garden from a historical perspective.

Herb Craft: Painting & Pounding, Suzan T Scholl

We can never get enough herb themed accoutrements! Clothing, linens, notepaper; your imagination is your only barrier with this decorative craft.

Thyme, Thymus Vulgaris, Heddy Johannesen

Versatile and lovely, there are so many uses for thyme. So unassuming that we often take it for granted. Heddy includes recipes for syrup and vinegar.

Thyme in a Magical Garden, Jacquie Beveridge

Off we go to visit the charming Thyme Garden Herb Garden in Alsea Valley of the Oregon Coast Range Mountains.

Cimicifuga Racemosa (Black Cohosh,) Sandy Michelsen

One of the next plants to be introduced into the woods here, Sandy gives us some good reasons to include Black Cohosh in the garden.

SouthRidge Treasures, Coriander (Cilantro), Mary Ellen Wilcox

As usual, Mary Ellen goes beyond the lore, history, and growing information to include 6 great recipes/uses, including Black Bean Salad and Crispy Coriander Potatoes.

Seashore Stirrings, Marci Tsohonis

Oceana Soap… Dreams of the beach and the water and the sun all rolled into a fragrant decadent bar of soap. There are also instructions for a couple of different ways to swirl colors into soap.

Herbal Wines, Infused Wines, Champagne, Marita Orr

Be prepared to find yourself running outside to find ingredients to get started! Marita has outdone herself with this stunning article filled with information, ideas, inspiration, and recipes. I’ve already made 2 batches of the elderflower champagne!

Fun, Sillies & Puns, Jessica Morgan

Jessica collects cute herbal puns and jokes, and has graciously shared a bushel of them with us!

Summer Garden Party with Wine & Cheese, Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh

Cheese Balls, Crisps, and Logs, Citrus Olives, Pickled Carrots, and all manner of pairing cheeses and wine to make for a memorable picnic or gathering.

The Fragrant Geraniums, Susanna Reppert Brill

So many simple ways to use those wonderful leaves, way beyond potpourri! Tea, cake, sugar and more plus how to keep them as house plants.

Pure? Natural? Organic?, Maryanne Schwartz

How do you wade through the hype when people throw around these words until they no longer have any meaning at all?

Pressed into Service, Rita Richardson

As the flowers bloom, it can be almost impossible to just let them go. Press them and keep them for decorative purposes!