Herb of the Week for 20th March
A few weeks ago I was in the Waiarapa staying in a cottage in the country
and at the back of the garden was a beautiful healthy myrtle tree.
Myrtle, myrtus
communis is an aromatic herbal shrub which we have growing at the herb
farm but it struggles here for ome reason. Perhaps it doesn't like our clay
soil
The Waiarapa myrtle was so healthy and happy and was about two metres high
and wide.
The aromatic leaves shone and this just shows how when a plant is happy
in a situation it shows this through the glow of health and vitality.
Myrtle features back to Greek and Roman mythology where it was held in
high esteem for everything from love potions to treating coughs, urinary
problems and used in cooking and wine.
Today myrtle can be used in bridal bouquets as it is associated with Aphrodite,
the goddess of love.
In Mediterranean countries the leaves are used for flavouring when cooking fattier meats such as pork, lamb and poultry as well as the small birds that are often eaten in Mediterranean countries.
The leaves are used for healing because of their antiseptic and astringent properties.
So the lovely myrtle has a myriad of uses and is an attractive addition
to the garden as well especially if the shrub is planted in a well drained,
full sun position in good soil.
It also makes an attractive tub specimen.