Herbs & spices

Growing rosemary

October 2021

Rosemary is an incredibly versatile and beautiful plant, writes Penny Woodward. It attracts birds and insects, flowers in winter and lifts the spirit if drunk as a tea.

Herbs in pots can be moved around your garden as needed.

Top herbs for pots

August 2021

Having fresh herbs at your doorstep saves money and adds flavour and diversity to your cooking, and Penny Woodward has some tips to get you started.

Sweet cicely has a mild sugary aniseed flavour.

Unusual herbs to grow now

September 2020

Sweet cecily and summer savory are just two flavourful culinary herbs you can easily grow in your own garden.

Drought-tolerant herbs to grow

November 2018

Dryness intensifies the scent and flavour of these herbs, explains Penny Woodward.

Smell the lavender

October 2018

Find the right lavender, says Penny Woodward, to use for its calming and relaxing effects.

Shungiku (chop suey greens)

June 2018

Have you tried this interesting, flavoursome and nutritious plant, asks Penny Woodward.

Edible and useful salvias

July 2017

Volatile oils in the leaves give salvias their scent and flavour explains Penny Woodward.

Discovering native herbs

April 2017

Karen Sutherland investigates the unique flavours and aromas of many little-known native herbs.

Savoury sage

January 2017

Sage advice: used in medicine and cooking, it's well worth a grow in your garden says PENNY WOODWARD.

The best of basil

November 2016

There's more than one basil for your kitchen garden, writes PENNY WOODWARD.

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