My thoughts on herbs....

The other night at book club conversation drifted to the topic of herbs, specifically dried mixed herbs.  My cousin announced that it's the only herb she uses, and she uses it on everything.  Whenever she's unsure of what to add to a dish, she whips out her jar of dried mixed herbs and sprinkles it over that days offerings.  Oh dear I thought to myself, but in the same token, good for her for consistenly using herbs in her cooking.

I definately do not have green fingers.  Every plant in my garden falls into the category of  'no maintenance'.  When I have attempted 'slight maintenance' or stupidly thought I might be up for 'high maintenance' the results have been catastrophic.  I do however think even the worst gardener in the world is capable of planting some hardy herbs in their garden.  Seriously people, it is not that difficult.  Fresh herbs as opposed to dried herbs can really make food taste great, especially winter casseroles and roasts.

Rosemary, Thyme and Oregano

In my garden, in a pot, positioned right next to my ranch slider door so that I don't even have to go out into the rain to get my herb supply, I have a variety of winter herbs.  Rosemary, thyme and Oregano.  The oregano I tried keeping in my kitchen, but it started suiciding on me, so I planted it along with it's friends outside, and it seems much improved, even though I never water these plants.  Living in New Zealand where it rains a lot, especially in Winter, I can get away with this.  These herbs are great in winter casseroles and stews, any meat sauces really and on home-made pizza.  Come on people, how hard could it possibly be?

In Summer I plant parsley and once again just let it do it's thing.  Basil is my goal for next Summer, my favourite herb to eat but with which I have had little success growing, but am determined to master.