'European Crab Apple'
Malus sylvestris
[Ex Co. Durham]
Malus sylvestris
[Ex Co. Durham]
Rosaceae: a small tree to 10m, sometimes tall and slender if growing in woodland, or more spreading if found in a hedgerow. Bark is a deep brown colour, cracking into small oblong plates. The branches may be spiny on the twigs and branches. The flowers are up to 4cm across and are usually white, but sometimes showing a pinkish tinge. The fruits are up to 4cm in diameter and rounded, yellowish green, often flushed with red, they have a hard woody texture and a very sour taste, but can make an excellent jelly. A native tree of a wide area of Europe, including Britain and Ireland, but not found in the far north.
The fruit can be used raw or cooked, used for jellies, preserves and juices. The flavour improves considerably if the fruit is not harvested until it has been frosted. The fruit is rich in pectin and can be used in helping other fruits to set when making jam. Pectin is also said to protect the body against radiation. An edible oil can be obtained from the seed, it would only really be viable to use these seeds as an oil source if the fruit was being used for some purpose such as making cider and then the seeds could be extracted from the remaining pulp. Also a very pleasant tea can be made from the leaves.
The fruit act as an astringent and laxative. The crushed fruit pulp can be used as a poultice to heal inflammations or small flesh wounds. The fruit is eaten to obviate constipation. The bark, and especially the root bark, is anthelmintic, refrigerant and soporific. An infusion is used in the treatment of intermittent, remittent and bilious fevers. The leaves contain up to 2.4% of an antibacterial substance called 'florin', this inhibits the growth of a number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
The seeds requires stratification for 3 months at 1°c and should be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is received. Seeds might not germinate for 12 months or more.
Harvested: September 2013 [These are seeds I collected last year, this year has been a really poor year for crab apples here in the north east]
Approx. 25 seeds £1.75
The fruit can be used raw or cooked, used for jellies, preserves and juices. The flavour improves considerably if the fruit is not harvested until it has been frosted. The fruit is rich in pectin and can be used in helping other fruits to set when making jam. Pectin is also said to protect the body against radiation. An edible oil can be obtained from the seed, it would only really be viable to use these seeds as an oil source if the fruit was being used for some purpose such as making cider and then the seeds could be extracted from the remaining pulp. Also a very pleasant tea can be made from the leaves.
The fruit act as an astringent and laxative. The crushed fruit pulp can be used as a poultice to heal inflammations or small flesh wounds. The fruit is eaten to obviate constipation. The bark, and especially the root bark, is anthelmintic, refrigerant and soporific. An infusion is used in the treatment of intermittent, remittent and bilious fevers. The leaves contain up to 2.4% of an antibacterial substance called 'florin', this inhibits the growth of a number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
The seeds requires stratification for 3 months at 1°c and should be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is received. Seeds might not germinate for 12 months or more.
Harvested: September 2013 [These are seeds I collected last year, this year has been a really poor year for crab apples here in the north east]
Approx. 25 seeds £1.75
Malus sylvestris 'Croxdale Hall'
If I can gain access, and if the tree is still standing, as I have not seen it in a few years, I will try to obtain some seeds from the country's largest and oldest Crab Apple tree, located in a field near Croxdale Hall, in Co. Durham.
The girth of the tree was 3.55 m measured at a height of 1.30 m (2001, TheTreeRegisterOwenJohnson). Its height was around 6.00 m, this was back in 2001.
The girth of the tree was 3.55 m measured at a height of 1.30 m (2001, TheTreeRegisterOwenJohnson). Its height was around 6.00 m, this was back in 2001.
Currently Unavailable
'Musk Mallow'
Malva moschata
[Ex. Sussex]
Malva moschata
[Ex. Sussex]
Malvaceae: a branched, hairy perennial to 75cm. found in dry, grassy places. The flowers are from 3-6cm across, pale pink, they form terminal clusters from July-August. Widespread and locally common in England and Wales, but scarce elsewhere in the country. Native to most of Europe, including Britain, south to N. Africa.
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and have a mild pleasant flavour. The leaves are mucilaginous and fairly bland, we use them in bulk in summer salads. They make a very good perennial substitute for lettuce in a salad, producing fresh leaves from spring until the middle of summer, or until the autumn from spring germinating plants. The flowers can be used raw, and make a very decorative addition to the salad bowl, they have a very mild flavour.
All parts of the plant are antiphlogistic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, salve. The leaves and flowers can be eaten as part of the diet, or a tea can be made from the leaves, flowers or roots. The leaves and flowers are the main part used, their demulcent properties making them valuable as a poultice for bruise, inflammations, insect bites, or taken internally in the treatment of respiratory system diseases or inflammation of the digestive or urinary systems. They have similar properties, but are considered to be inferior, to the common mallow (M. sylvestris) and the marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) and are seldom used internally.
Best sown in early spring in a cold frame, germinates quickly and easily. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in their permanent positions in the early summer.
Harvested: August 2014.
Approx. 300+ seeds £1.25.
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and have a mild pleasant flavour. The leaves are mucilaginous and fairly bland, we use them in bulk in summer salads. They make a very good perennial substitute for lettuce in a salad, producing fresh leaves from spring until the middle of summer, or until the autumn from spring germinating plants. The flowers can be used raw, and make a very decorative addition to the salad bowl, they have a very mild flavour.
All parts of the plant are antiphlogistic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, salve. The leaves and flowers can be eaten as part of the diet, or a tea can be made from the leaves, flowers or roots. The leaves and flowers are the main part used, their demulcent properties making them valuable as a poultice for bruise, inflammations, insect bites, or taken internally in the treatment of respiratory system diseases or inflammation of the digestive or urinary systems. They have similar properties, but are considered to be inferior, to the common mallow (M. sylvestris) and the marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) and are seldom used internally.
Best sown in early spring in a cold frame, germinates quickly and easily. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in their permanent positions in the early summer.
Harvested: August 2014.
Approx. 300+ seeds £1.25.
Malva moschata
'Dwarf Mallow'
Malva neglecta
Malva neglecta
Currently Unavailable
Malva neglecta
'Common Mallow'
Malva sylvestris
[Ex Co. Durham]
Malva sylvestris
[Ex Co. Durham]
Malvaceae: a perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in), hardy to zone 5, eye catching blue/purple mallow flowers from mid summer, followed by donut shaped seed clusters, found growing on waste ground, field verges and roadsides, and old stone walls, but avoiding acid soils, native to most of Europe, including Britain.
This plant has a long list of uses, both edible and medicinal, these include; Leaves eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable, and the flowers can be added to salads or used as a garnish. medicinally all parts of the plant are antiphlogistic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, salve, the leaves are used to relieve insect bites and stings. it is also said that the leaves and flowers can be eaten as part of the diet. Cream, yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the plant and the seed heads.
Sow seeds in early spring in situ. Germination should take a few weeks.
Seeds Available: £1.25
Malva sylvestris
'White Horehound'
Marrubium vulgare
Lamiaceae: a rare robust aromatic perennial herb to 50cm. the entire plant is coated with downy white hairs. The flowers are white in whorls, appearing from June-October. Found on dry, often disturbed, ground, manly on chalky soil and near the coast. Found growing manly near the South coast of England, scare or absent from the rest of the country. Native to Europe, including Britain, south and east to North Africa, the Azores, central and western Asia.
The leaves are used as a seasoning, they are bitter and pungent, and they are sometimes used to flavour herb beer or liqueurs. Horehound ale is a fairly well-known drink made from the leaves. A mild pleasantly flavoured tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves, it is a favourite cough remedy.
White horehound is a well-known and popular herbal medicine that is often used as a domestic remedy for coughs, colds, and wheeziness. The herb apparently causes the secretion of a more fluid mucous, readily cleared by coughing. The leaves and young flowering stems has antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, strongly expectorant, hepatic, stimulant and tonic properties.
White horehound is easily grown. Preferring neutral to alkaline soil conditions and requires a warm sunny position. Sow seeds April/May or August/September in a cold frame. Germination can be slow and erratic. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the following spring.
Harvested: 2014.
Marrubium vulgare
Lamiaceae: a rare robust aromatic perennial herb to 50cm. the entire plant is coated with downy white hairs. The flowers are white in whorls, appearing from June-October. Found on dry, often disturbed, ground, manly on chalky soil and near the coast. Found growing manly near the South coast of England, scare or absent from the rest of the country. Native to Europe, including Britain, south and east to North Africa, the Azores, central and western Asia.
The leaves are used as a seasoning, they are bitter and pungent, and they are sometimes used to flavour herb beer or liqueurs. Horehound ale is a fairly well-known drink made from the leaves. A mild pleasantly flavoured tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves, it is a favourite cough remedy.
White horehound is a well-known and popular herbal medicine that is often used as a domestic remedy for coughs, colds, and wheeziness. The herb apparently causes the secretion of a more fluid mucous, readily cleared by coughing. The leaves and young flowering stems has antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, strongly expectorant, hepatic, stimulant and tonic properties.
White horehound is easily grown. Preferring neutral to alkaline soil conditions and requires a warm sunny position. Sow seeds April/May or August/September in a cold frame. Germination can be slow and erratic. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the following spring.
Harvested: 2014.
'Scented Mayweed'
Matricaria chamomilla
(syn. M. recutita)
[Ex. Norfolk]
Asteraceae: annual growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft), hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender, daisy like flowers are produced from June to July, found on Sandy or loamy arable soils in Britain, Europe, east to West Asia and the Himalayas.
German chamomile is similar in chemistry to Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), but less pronounced aroma. Some herbalists combine the flowers, using two parts German to one part Roman. German chamomile has a slightly higher proportion of volatile oil, containing an anti-inflammatory and analgesic that is particularly effective in healing burns and preventing ulceration and infection. Parts used are the flowers, these act as a bitter, aromatic, sedative herb that relaxes and ads sleep, relaxes spasms, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, promotes healing, benefits the digestion and stimulates the immune system.
Surface sow seeds in spring or autumn in situ, germination should take place within 3 weeks.
Seeds Available: £1.25
Matricaria chamomilla
'Pineapple Weed'
Matricaria matricarioides
Matricaria matricarioides
(syn. M. discoidea)
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Asteraceae: annual growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The flower head is cone-shaped, composed of dense-packed yellowish-green corollas, the flowers exude a chamomile/pineapple aroma when crushed. The leaves are pinnately dissected and sweet-scented when crushed. Found growing by waysides and waste places, especially along tracks, paths and by trampled gateways. Native to North Eastern Asia, introduced to Britain.
The flower heads can be eaten raw or cooked, and can be a tasty nibble. The dried flowers are used to make herb teas. They are pineapple scented when steeped in hot water.
The flowering plant has antispasmodic, carminative, galactogogue, sedative, skin and vermifuge properties. This plant is rarely used medicinally, though it is sometimes employed as a domestic remedy in the treatment of intestinal worms and also as a sedative. The plant is harvested when in flower in the summer and is dried for later use. Some caution is advised since some individuals are allergic to this plant.
The dried flowers are used as an insect repellent.
Sow seeds in spring or late summer in situ. Germination should take place within 3 weeks. Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Harvested 2014.
Approx. 1000+ seeds £0.99
Asteraceae: annual growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The flower head is cone-shaped, composed of dense-packed yellowish-green corollas, the flowers exude a chamomile/pineapple aroma when crushed. The leaves are pinnately dissected and sweet-scented when crushed. Found growing by waysides and waste places, especially along tracks, paths and by trampled gateways. Native to North Eastern Asia, introduced to Britain.
The flower heads can be eaten raw or cooked, and can be a tasty nibble. The dried flowers are used to make herb teas. They are pineapple scented when steeped in hot water.
The flowering plant has antispasmodic, carminative, galactogogue, sedative, skin and vermifuge properties. This plant is rarely used medicinally, though it is sometimes employed as a domestic remedy in the treatment of intestinal worms and also as a sedative. The plant is harvested when in flower in the summer and is dried for later use. Some caution is advised since some individuals are allergic to this plant.
The dried flowers are used as an insect repellent.
Sow seeds in spring or late summer in situ. Germination should take place within 3 weeks. Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Harvested 2014.
Approx. 1000+ seeds £0.99
Matricaria matricarioides
'Hoary Stock'
Matthiola incana
Brassicaceae: downy, greyish annual or perennial with a woody-based stem to 80cm. Associated with sea cliffs. The flowers are nicely scented, up to 30mm across, with 4 white petals, blooming from April-July. Scarce and doubtfully native although possibly so in Southern England and Southern Wales. Native to Southern Europe. Possibly native to Southern England.
The flowers can be eaten as a vegetable or used as a garnish, especially with sweet desserts, they are highly fragrant.
The seeds have aphrodisiac, bitter, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic properties. An infusion has been used in the treatment of cancer and when mixed with wine it has been used as an antidote to poisonous bites.
Prefers a fertile neutral or slightly alkaline soil in full sun. Plants grow best in a sandy soil in a warm, sheltered position. A very ornamental plant, it is also a good butterfly plant. Sow seeds from early spring in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Harvested. 2014
Matthiola incana
Brassicaceae: downy, greyish annual or perennial with a woody-based stem to 80cm. Associated with sea cliffs. The flowers are nicely scented, up to 30mm across, with 4 white petals, blooming from April-July. Scarce and doubtfully native although possibly so in Southern England and Southern Wales. Native to Southern Europe. Possibly native to Southern England.
The flowers can be eaten as a vegetable or used as a garnish, especially with sweet desserts, they are highly fragrant.
The seeds have aphrodisiac, bitter, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic properties. An infusion has been used in the treatment of cancer and when mixed with wine it has been used as an antidote to poisonous bites.
Prefers a fertile neutral or slightly alkaline soil in full sun. Plants grow best in a sandy soil in a warm, sheltered position. A very ornamental plant, it is also a good butterfly plant. Sow seeds from early spring in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Harvested. 2014
'Black Medick'
Medicago lupulina
Medicago lupulina
[Ex. Somerset]
Fabaceae: winter green annual or short lived perennial. Short, often sprawling plant with a compact head of bright yellow flowers and clover-like leaves. It can be distinguished from lesser and hop trefoil by its seed pods which are black and coiled when ripe and not buried within the dead flowers, and from other common medicks by the absence of spines on the pods. Flowers from April to July. Habitats include dry grasslands, pastures, road banks, waste places and even walls. Native to Europe, including Britain, south and east to Northern Africa, the Atlantic Islands and W. Asia.
The leaves can be cooked and used as a potherb. The seed can be cooked, parched and eaten or ground into a powder. The seed is said to contain trypsin inhibitors. These can interfere with certain enzymes that help in the digestion of proteins, but are normally destroyed if the seed is sprouted first.
Aqueous extracts of the plant have antibacterial properties against micro-organisms. The plant is lenitive.
Makes a good green manure plant, it is fairly deep rooted, has good resistance to 'Clover rot' but it is not very fast growing. It can be undersown with cereals, succeeding even in a wet season.
Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in situ. The seed can also be sown in situ in autumn. Green manure crops can be sown in situ from early spring until early autumn. (The later sowings are for an over-wintering crop)
Harvested 2014
Approx. 400+ Seeds £1.25
Fabaceae: winter green annual or short lived perennial. Short, often sprawling plant with a compact head of bright yellow flowers and clover-like leaves. It can be distinguished from lesser and hop trefoil by its seed pods which are black and coiled when ripe and not buried within the dead flowers, and from other common medicks by the absence of spines on the pods. Flowers from April to July. Habitats include dry grasslands, pastures, road banks, waste places and even walls. Native to Europe, including Britain, south and east to Northern Africa, the Atlantic Islands and W. Asia.
The leaves can be cooked and used as a potherb. The seed can be cooked, parched and eaten or ground into a powder. The seed is said to contain trypsin inhibitors. These can interfere with certain enzymes that help in the digestion of proteins, but are normally destroyed if the seed is sprouted first.
Aqueous extracts of the plant have antibacterial properties against micro-organisms. The plant is lenitive.
Makes a good green manure plant, it is fairly deep rooted, has good resistance to 'Clover rot' but it is not very fast growing. It can be undersown with cereals, succeeding even in a wet season.
Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in situ. The seed can also be sown in situ in autumn. Green manure crops can be sown in situ from early spring until early autumn. (The later sowings are for an over-wintering crop)
Harvested 2014
Approx. 400+ Seeds £1.25
Medicago lupulina
'Alfalfa'
Medicago sativa
Currently Unavailable
Medicago sativa
Currently Unavailable
'Bastard Balm'
Melittis melissophyllum
Melittis melissophyllum
Currently Unavailable
'Ribbed Melilot'
Melilotus officinalis
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Fabaceae: annual/biennial growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in). Bright yellow pea like flowers, in spikes to 7cm long, blooming from June-September. Seed pods are brown, wrinkled pods. The leaves are comprised of 3 oblong leaflets. Found in grassy places and on waste ground. Native to Europe to East Asia. Naturalized in Britain.
The root has been consumed as a food by the Kalmuks. The young shoots can be cooked, and used like asparagus. Young leaves are eaten in salads. The leaves and seedpods are cooked as a vegetable, they are used as a flavouring. Only fresh leaves should be used. The crushed dried leaves can be used as a vanilla flavouring in puddings, pastries. The flowers can be used raw or cooked. The flowers and seeds are used as a flavouring. The flowers also give an aromatic quality to some tisanes.
Melilot, used either externally or internally, can help treat varicose veins and haemorrhoids though it requires a long-term treatment for the effect to be realised. Use of the plant also helps to reduce the risk of phlebitis and thrombosis. Melilot contains coumarins and, as the plant dries or spoils, these become converted to dicoumarol, a powerful anticoagulant. Thus the plant should be used with some caution, it should not be prescribed to patients with a history of poor blood clotting or who are taking warfarin medication. The flowering plant has antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diuretic, emollient, mildly expectorant, mildly sedative and vulnerary properties. An infusion is used in the treatment of sleeplessness, nervous tension, neuralgia, palpitations, varicose veins, painful congestive menstruation, in the prevention of thrombosis, flatulence and intestinal disorders. Externally, it is used to treat eye inflammations, rheumatic pains, swollen joints, severe bruising, boils and erysipelas, whilst a decoction is added to the bath-water. The flowering plant is harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use. A distilled water obtained from the flowering tops is an effective treatment for conjunctivitis.
Sow seeds in spring to mid-summer in situ. Pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water will speed up the germination process, particularly in dry weather. Germination will usually take place within 2 weeks. Prefers a well-drained to dry neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position. The flowers are rich in pollen making this a good bee plant.
Harvested 2014.
Melilotus officinalis
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Fabaceae: annual/biennial growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in). Bright yellow pea like flowers, in spikes to 7cm long, blooming from June-September. Seed pods are brown, wrinkled pods. The leaves are comprised of 3 oblong leaflets. Found in grassy places and on waste ground. Native to Europe to East Asia. Naturalized in Britain.
The root has been consumed as a food by the Kalmuks. The young shoots can be cooked, and used like asparagus. Young leaves are eaten in salads. The leaves and seedpods are cooked as a vegetable, they are used as a flavouring. Only fresh leaves should be used. The crushed dried leaves can be used as a vanilla flavouring in puddings, pastries. The flowers can be used raw or cooked. The flowers and seeds are used as a flavouring. The flowers also give an aromatic quality to some tisanes.
Melilot, used either externally or internally, can help treat varicose veins and haemorrhoids though it requires a long-term treatment for the effect to be realised. Use of the plant also helps to reduce the risk of phlebitis and thrombosis. Melilot contains coumarins and, as the plant dries or spoils, these become converted to dicoumarol, a powerful anticoagulant. Thus the plant should be used with some caution, it should not be prescribed to patients with a history of poor blood clotting or who are taking warfarin medication. The flowering plant has antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diuretic, emollient, mildly expectorant, mildly sedative and vulnerary properties. An infusion is used in the treatment of sleeplessness, nervous tension, neuralgia, palpitations, varicose veins, painful congestive menstruation, in the prevention of thrombosis, flatulence and intestinal disorders. Externally, it is used to treat eye inflammations, rheumatic pains, swollen joints, severe bruising, boils and erysipelas, whilst a decoction is added to the bath-water. The flowering plant is harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use. A distilled water obtained from the flowering tops is an effective treatment for conjunctivitis.
Sow seeds in spring to mid-summer in situ. Pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water will speed up the germination process, particularly in dry weather. Germination will usually take place within 2 weeks. Prefers a well-drained to dry neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position. The flowers are rich in pollen making this a good bee plant.
Harvested 2014.
'Lemon Balm'
Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis
Lamiaceae: perennial herb, native to south-central Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean region, and Central Asia. It grows to 70–150 cm tall. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent, during summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear.
The leaves can eaten raw or cooked, they have a pleasant lemon-like aroma and flavour, and are used mainly as a flavouring in salads and cooked foods. A lemon-flavoured tea can be made from the fresh or dried leaves. A bunch of the leaves can be added to china tea, much improving the flavour, the leaves are also added to fruit cups. They are used as a flavouring in various alcoholic beverages including Chartreuse and Benedictine.
Lemon balm is a commonly grown household remedy with a long tradition as a tonic remedy that raises the spirits and lifts the heart. Modern research has shown that it can help significantly in the treatment of cold sores. The leaves and young flowering shoots are antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative, and tonic. It also acts to inhibit thyroid activity. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers and colds, indigestion associated with nervous tension, excitability and digestive upsets in children, hyperthyroidism, depression, mild insomnia, headaches. Externally, it is used to treat herpes, sores, gout, insect bites and as an insect repellent. The plant can be used fresh or dried, for drying it is harvested just before or just after flowering. The essential oil contains citral and citronella, which act to calm the central nervous system and are strongly antispasmodic. The plant also contains polyphenols, in particular these combat the herpes simplex virus which produces cold sores. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Female aspects'. It is used to relax and rejuvenate, especially in cases of depression and nervous tension. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Melissa officinalis for nervousness and insomnia.
A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny sheltered position. It prefers a light rich moist soil, a warm position and partial shade. Sow seeds spring or autumn in a cold frame. Germination can be slow. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions when the plants are at least 15cm tall. If there is plenty of seed it can be sown in an outdoor seed bed in April. Plants can often self-sow.
Harvested 2014
Approx. 300+ seeds £1.25
'Water Mint'
Mentha aquatica
Mentha aquatica
[Ex. Cambridgeshire]
Lamiaceae: perennial growing to a height of about 900mm. An attractive plant with a pleasant smell, its lilac coloured flowers are in bloom from July to late September. It is found in permanently wet ground usually a little way back from the water's edge but is by no means rare adjacent to open water or even partially submerged. It tends to be found on soils that show a degree of infertility. Native to Europe, including Britain, south and east to North Africa and southwest Asia Also in South Africa, Madeira.
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, they have a strong distinctive peppermint-like fragrance, and can be used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods. The leaves are too pungent for most people to use as a flavouring. An herb tea is made from the leaves.
The leaves have anodyne, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emetic, refrigerant, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vasodilator properties. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, digestive disorders and various minor ailments. It is also used as a mouth-wash and a gargle for treating sore throats, ulcers, and bad breath. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can be dried for later use. The essential oil in the leaves is antiseptic, though it is toxic in large doses.
Seeds can be sowed in spring and germination is usually fairly quick. Stored seed by need to sow in autumn as it can require a period of chilling to break dormancy. Succeeds in most soils and situations so long as the soil is not too dry. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A sunny position is best for production of essential oils, but it also succeeds in partial shade. Easy.
Harvested: 2014.
Approx. 500+ seeds £1.25.
Lamiaceae: perennial growing to a height of about 900mm. An attractive plant with a pleasant smell, its lilac coloured flowers are in bloom from July to late September. It is found in permanently wet ground usually a little way back from the water's edge but is by no means rare adjacent to open water or even partially submerged. It tends to be found on soils that show a degree of infertility. Native to Europe, including Britain, south and east to North Africa and southwest Asia Also in South Africa, Madeira.
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, they have a strong distinctive peppermint-like fragrance, and can be used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods. The leaves are too pungent for most people to use as a flavouring. An herb tea is made from the leaves.
The leaves have anodyne, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emetic, refrigerant, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vasodilator properties. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, digestive disorders and various minor ailments. It is also used as a mouth-wash and a gargle for treating sore throats, ulcers, and bad breath. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can be dried for later use. The essential oil in the leaves is antiseptic, though it is toxic in large doses.
Seeds can be sowed in spring and germination is usually fairly quick. Stored seed by need to sow in autumn as it can require a period of chilling to break dormancy. Succeeds in most soils and situations so long as the soil is not too dry. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A sunny position is best for production of essential oils, but it also succeeds in partial shade. Easy.
Harvested: 2014.
Approx. 500+ seeds £1.25.
'Corn Mint'
Mentha arvensis
Mentha arvensis
Currently Unavailable
'Pennyroyal'
Mentha pulegium
Currently Unavailable
'Apple Mint'
Mentha suaveolens
Mentha suaveolens
Currently Unavailable
'Whorled Mint'
Mentha x verticillata
[Mentha arvensis x M. aquatica]
'Whorled Mint'
Mentha x verticillata
[Mentha arvensis x M. aquatica]
'Spignel'
Meum athamanticum
Meum athamanticum
Apiaceae: an aromatic herb to 60cm, it is a hollow –stemmed perennial of upland grassland. The fibrous remains of the previous year’s leaf stalks crown the rootstock. The flowers are creamy white, in frothy-looking umbels up to 6cm across, blooming from May-July. The leaves are pinnate, with bristly- like lobes. Quite rare, found from North Wales, North Western England and Scotland. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to Spain, Germany and the Balkans.
The root can be cooked and used like parsnips. The leaves can be used as a condiment in soups, stews and vegetable dishes, they add a subtle sweetish flavour.
The herb has diuretic, emmenagogue and stomachic properties.
Grows well in almost any fertile well-drained moderately retentive soil in a sunny position.
Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame or greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer or the following spring.
Harvested: 2014.
Approx. 20+ seeds £1.50
The root can be cooked and used like parsnips. The leaves can be used as a condiment in soups, stews and vegetable dishes, they add a subtle sweetish flavour.
The herb has diuretic, emmenagogue and stomachic properties.
Grows well in almost any fertile well-drained moderately retentive soil in a sunny position.
Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame or greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer or the following spring.
Harvested: 2014.
Approx. 20+ seeds £1.50
'Bog Myrtle'
Myrica gale
Myrica gale
Currently Unavailable
'Sweet Cicely'
Myrrhis odorata
[Ex, Co. Durham]
Apiaceae: Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in), hardy to zone 5, fragrant white, flat umbels flowering from May to June, native to grassy places, hedges and woods in hilly regions, often near human habitations, of mountainous regions of Europe, including Britain.
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked; they are excellent raw, the leaves have a delicious sweet aniseed flavour. The whole plant, including the seeds, is aromatic, carminative, expectorant and stomachic, the root is antiseptic and a decoction has been used to treat snake and dog bites, also an ointment made from the roots has been used to ease gout and soothe wounds.
Prefers a moist rich soil in a shady position, it will thrives in all soils, in sun or shade, Sweet cicely used to be widely cultivated as a food plant but is now it is only occasionally grown in the herb garden, shame since it is an extremely useful and tasty plant to grow and can provide food all year round.
Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe since stored seed is difficult to germinate, the seed can be sown in an outdoor seedbed, or it can be sown in pots in a cold frame, thin the seedlings in the outdoor bed as necessary (eat the thinning’s) and transplant the young plants into their final positions in the following spring.
25+ seeds £1.25
Myrrhis odorata
'Yellow Monkey Flower'
Mimulus guttatus
[Naturalized in Britain]
Currently Unavailable
'Sweet Cicely'
Myrrhis odorata
[Ex, Co. Durham]
Apiaceae: Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in), hardy to zone 5, fragrant white, flat umbels flowering from May to June, native to grassy places, hedges and woods in hilly regions, often near human habitations, of mountainous regions of Europe, including Britain.
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked; they are excellent raw, the leaves have a delicious sweet aniseed flavour. The whole plant, including the seeds, is aromatic, carminative, expectorant and stomachic, the root is antiseptic and a decoction has been used to treat snake and dog bites, also an ointment made from the roots has been used to ease gout and soothe wounds.
Prefers a moist rich soil in a shady position, it will thrives in all soils, in sun or shade, Sweet cicely used to be widely cultivated as a food plant but is now it is only occasionally grown in the herb garden, shame since it is an extremely useful and tasty plant to grow and can provide food all year round.
Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe since stored seed is difficult to germinate, the seed can be sown in an outdoor seedbed, or it can be sown in pots in a cold frame, thin the seedlings in the outdoor bed as necessary (eat the thinning’s) and transplant the young plants into their final positions in the following spring.
25+ seeds £1.25
'Yellow Monkey Flower'
Mimulus guttatus
[Naturalized in Britain]
Currently Unavailable
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