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Rosemary
has been a strong favourite in herb gardens for many years.
A native of the Mediterranean it has been used by a wide range
of nationalities and in a wider range of culinary dishes.
Used for centuries Rosemary is reputed to strengthen the memory
and is planted for remembrance. On anniversaries such as Anzac
Day or the loss of a loved one, a sprig is worn.
All parts of the rosemary bush can be used for numerous needs.
It is a compact growing shrub which reaches a height of about
1 metre. Flowering in Spring its bright blue flowers are born
all over its branches. Although the blue flowering Rosemary
(Rosemarinus Officianalis) is the most common it
is also available in pink & white forms. Rosemary has
many different varieties. Some growing very upright (suitable
for small hedges around your herb or vege garden), others
growing into a sprawling shrub (excellent in pots), and even
a semi-prostrate ground covering form which makes a fantastic
hanging basket plant. But with its many varieties it is worth
just having as an ornamental shrub in your garden, as it helps
to keep cabbage butterflies away.
When in flower use the flowers to toss into salads to add
colour and flavour. When it is added to meat dishes such as
lamb & pork its aromatic leaves really come alive to produce
a fantastic aroma & taste. Baked potatoes are also an
excellent partner for Rosemary or if kebabs are more your
style then why not use the striped stems as the skewers. This
will mean the flavour will go straight into the meat. If insects
are a problem at the BBQ, then throw some fresh picked branches
onto the plate and the oil from the leaves will burn to let
of a scent that discourages insects.
Although Rosemary is more popular in cooking it does have
some medicinal properties, aiding in stimulating circulation
Rosemary oil can be applied to ease pain where it will increase
blood supply. It can also be used in craft to make wreaths
to decorate your house.
Rosemary needs a warm sunny position with excellent drainage.
When preparing the area where it is going to be planted use
Searles® Garden Soil Mix. Because Rosemary does not like wet
feet growing them in a pot is ideal, as this lets any excess
water drain away. Always use a premium potting mix such as
Searles® Herb & Vegetable Potting Mixture. |
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What
you will need
• Searles® Garden Soil Mix
• Searles® Herb & Vegetable Potting Mix |
Harvesting
of the leaves and flowers can be done all year round, and
as Rosemary is propagated from cuttings this can be done at
any stage during the year as well. Caring for your Rosemary
is very simple as they are a very hardy plant. They rarely
suffer from any pest or diseases although they can occasionally
be attacked by scale insects. This can simply be cleared up
by spraying with any suitable spray for scale insects, such
as white oil.
Rosemary is such a versatile shrub with many uses including
cooking, medicinal & craft, it is also gaining popularity
as just a shrub in the garden or clipped into a formal topiary
shape to give your herb garden some class.
So with so many uses every garden should have one.
YUM!
Happy Gardening with Searles from the Searle family.
© Copyright 2002 JC & AT
Searle Pty Ltd
You may make a copy of this Fact Sheet for your personal,
non-commercial use only. Please do not make any other use
of this Fact Sheet without first obtaining our permission. |
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