Thyme

July 29, 2016universeofplants Leave a comment

Ht. Up to 30cm karg-122417_1920

Thyme is an evergreen perennial shrub we are all familiar with, it grows wild all over the hills of the southern Mediterranean a bit like Heather does in the uk, it is related to mint surprisingly and closely related to oregano, it loves a hot sunny location with well drained soil, and tolerates drought and freezing, but not wet feet.

It is gathered in late spring and summer, Use it to create bouquet garni and herbes de provence. Dried thyme keeps its aroma very well. Fast freezing fresh thyme also works if its put straight into the dish before defrosting.

The essential oil Thymol derived from its flowering tops is a powerful antiseptic and antifungal and is used in mouthwash and natural hand sanitizers , along with its cousin menthol. It has been used in treating whooping cough and parasitic infections. It is toxic in high doses and best left to the experts to formulate medicinal products.

Thymus citriodorus-Lemon thyme is a sub species. All thymes especially wild creeping thyme are great nectar sources and produce the distinctive flavoured dark honey sold throughout Greece and Italy which interestingly has the same properties as the plant. thyme-177261_1920

As with vegetables never plant the same herb in the same place use a 3-4 year rotation. Thyme is beneficial planted next to cabbages.

The Egyptians used thyme in the embalming process, it also repels moths pop some dried with lavender in a pot pouri sachet in your cupboards and chest of draws.

Anemones

ImageJuly 27, 2016July 27, 2016universeofplants 1 Comment

A vast variety of these perennial plants, native to Temperate areas exist. They are deciduous perennials, we have the delicate wood-anemone-292340_960_720

woodland Anemone here throughout our wood.

This is the bue anemone we are all familiar with. balkan-anemone-56414__180 Breathtaking

Avocado

July 27, 2016August 26, 2016universeofplants Leave a comment

This large evergreen tree that grows to over 20 metres, is native to Mexico, it requires a deep well drained humus rich soil, it is hardy down to 15*C and will not tolerate frost, dry or very windy conditions, so is best kept indoors outside the tropics. The berry fruit ripens off the tree and is well known for it’s nutritious and health benefits.

It is very high in monounsaturated fats, vitamins B, C and K, and antioxidants carotenoids and regular intake can reduce the onset risk of Diabetes and metabolic syndrome and cancer, by reducing oxidants, cholesterol and triglycerides and normalizing blood sugar. They are also a good source of fibre. And can benefit skin wrinkles, sun damage and wrinkles.

They aid weight loss diets by providing slow burning fats. Other sources of these are Almonds and Walnuts. And don’t throw the seed away as it contains the most nutrients, it can be sliced and blended with other ingredients into a smoothie, or dried and used as a condiment grated on salads or cooking.

You can grow your own Avocado in doors just place in a 1/2 litre pot of leafmold and keep warm and moist germination is in 4-6 weeks. Pot on into pH neutral loam based compost and feed every 2-3 weeks in the growing season, keep in a bright window out of direct sunlight which will scorch the emerging leaves.