|
Kathy’s Garden Writing |
|
ROSEMARY FOR REMEMBRANCE Rosmarinus, “dew of the sea,” originated in the coastal areas of the Mediterranean. When in bloom, the floral haze of tiny lavender flowers does indeed suggest seaborne mists and sprays, shrouding the evergreen shrub with dew drops of color. Throughout the Sicilian countryside, large rosemary bushes, to six-feet tall, grow like weeds in dry rocky ground, thriving in the volcanic soil and nighttime mists. Americans are most familiar with rosemary in the kitchen garden, and through the winter months, perhaps on a windowsill. It is an excellent culinary herb, redolent of the flavors of the Mediterranean. One of the most popular and easy-to-grow varieties is ‘Tuscan Blue,’ a fragrant, large-leafed plant favored by chefs. When cooked, the volatile oils are released to lend a burst of flavor to whatever food it accompanies. Rosemary is especially delicious roasted with meats, although a personal favorite is potatoes roasted with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Large woody rosemary stalks can also be used as skewers for kebobs, subtly flavoring all sorts of meats, vegetables, and shellfish. And hearty winter soups and stews enjoy a flavor boost with additions of rosemary, garlic, and a little wine. Besides these savory dishes, rosemary can be added to sweets for a surprising taste treat. Jellies, jams, cakes, and even ice cream have benefitted from minced rosemary leaves stirred into the mix. Bees learned this secret ages ago, and flock to rosemary nectar whenever they find a blooming plant. Splurge on a jar of rosemary honey, and you’ll be sold too. For those not inclined to kitchen duty, rosemary can be used as a piney-scented aromatic in cosmetics, shampoos, and sachets. A particularly fragrant choice is ‘Logee’s Blue,’ with deep blue flowers and dark green leaves. Gardeners also plant rosemary as an ornamental, potted for the terrace or shaped into a formal topiary for the parterre. Favorite specimens are ‘Foresteri’ with its fast and upright growth to four feet, and ‘Miss Jessopp’s Upright’ for a ten foot evergreen column. However, in our climate you might try ‘Salem’ for a garden accent, as it will survive winters in zone 6 with protection. Some gardeners also enjoy color variations, like the yellow leaves or pink and white flowers found in some species. The ancients had additional uses for rosemary, in healing, and in rituals where it symbolized friendship, love, and fidelity. It still signifies remembrance of those who have been dear to us. Perhaps this is its most important contribution, in an age of reality overload -- a beautiful and fragrant plant to memorialize those who have wafted away like the sea mist for which this plant is named. In memory of John Savard, Bernice Schneyer, and Stephanie Spiece. Note: Growing rosemary is easy if you keep these three fundamentals in mind: sun, drainage, and air circulation. Twenty-six species can be found at The Sandy Mush Herb Nursery (sandymushherbs.com), including all the plants referenced here. Kathleen Arcuri Published in The Benton News, July 5, 2009 |