Lemon grass was not a herb known to the west until modern times.  It’s name comes from the Greek for boat “kymbe” and beard “pogon” which refers to the appearance of its flowers.  read more...

The English translation of Rosmarinus, the latin name for rosemary, means “dew of the sea” and, true to its word, it grows happily by the seaside.  Rosemary was well known to the Greeks and Romans.  Very early on it was reputed to help improve memory and uplift the spirits

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One of the most widely grown culinary herbs today, basil originates from India where it is known as tulsi.  It is often planted in temple gardens and offered at Hindu shrines as it is thought to offer protection against bad luck.  read more...

Spearmint was introduced to this country by the Romans who, enjoying its fresh scent, used it to make perfumes and added it to their bath water.  It soon established itself and in medieval Britain was popular as a strewing herb. read more...

Both chives and garlic chives are members of the Allium or onion genus.  Recorded uses of both onions and garlic can be traced back thousands of years to the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.  Both herbs have a strong smell and it was said that the stronger the smell the greater the herb’s healing properties. read more...

Coriander (also known as cilantro) is an important and ancient herb which has been cultivated for over 3,000 years.  The seeds of this herb were found in Tutankhamun’s tomb.  As with all ancient herbs, theories abounded as to its properties.  In the Middle Ages it found itself in love potions. read more...

The Latin for Bay is Laurus (meaning praise) and nobilis (meaning noble or renowned).  It was a sacred tree and a symbol of glory and wisdom to the Greeks and Romans.  Victorious athletes and important statesmen wore a crown of laurels made from the bay tree’s leaves. read more...