Here's a type of plant you may never have heard of: temperennials -- or temporary perennials. These are perennial plants that may not be hardy in your zone but can be used as temporary plantings -- or you can overwinter them in the garage. Salad Garden Trying to eat better? Salads are definitely the way to go -- and growing your own is a snap when you keep it small-scale. Here are some suggestions for a healthful -- and beautiful -- mix of plants to grow in your salad garden:
French lavender: pretty and practical, lavender is a legendary relaxer for mind and body.
Nasturtium: A member of the cress family; nasturtium is an edible flower with a peppery, onion or garlic taste. Serve the leaves rolled around cream cheese, or eat the flowers in salads.
Leaf lettuce: This needs no explanation -- it's pretty much de rigueur in salads.
Sage: It's that herb Mom always uses in her Thanksgiving dressing. Try breaking off leaf tips to garnish your salads.
Thyme: Another great garnish, thyme smells wonderful when you brush against it in the garden.
Basil: One of the most useful herbs, it can be dice or torn up in salads -- and if you've never eaten pesto (a mixture of basil, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil). well, you've never tasted a little bit of Heaven!
Veggies: Think broccoli, bush-type squash, cabbage. tomato -- they're easy to grow and yummy to eat!
Edge your salad garden with rocks and keep its size manageable -- say, 1-1/2' to 2' wide by 7' long. And by all means, keep it near the kitchen, or you'll never use it. Think how much you'll enjoy stepping outside your kitchen and snipping off a few veggies or herbs!
RESOURCES :
The Big Book of Kitchen Gardens: A Guide to Growing Vegetables and Herbs
Time-Life Books Inc.
Website: www.timelife.com
Gardening from Seed: The Keys to Success with Flowers and Vegetables
Model: 0609806653
Author: Thomas Christopher
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
