"Herbs have been used for thousands of years to help people create and sustain a healthy and vital life..."
Our beautiful herb garden has a fascinating array of culinary, medicinal, aromatic, and flowering plants. The garden and its tenants, the angora rabbits, are shaded and sustained by a small grove of edible bamboo. We use organic intensive methods in the cultivation cycle.
Herbs are for sale
In most cases we lift plants directly from the garden for ease of transplanting and optimum size. We will be glad to help with any cultivation questions or share information about preparation and use.
contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (540) 894-5126
Visit the herb garden by appointment
Visit the herb garden by appointment
The garden is open by appointment March through October. Please call first to stop by and browse. We will be glad to help you with any herbal questions or problems that you might have. We offer for sale a wide variety of plants propagated directly from our working stock. Tours are welcome.
For information and to make an appointment for individuals or groups to tour the herb garden, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (540) 894-5126 12:30-3:00pm Tues - Fri.
Attend our spring Herb Day Gala
One event per year is currently offered. Here is the invitation for the current calendar year.
Herb Day Gala ~ Tours & Tea in the Garden
Join Hildegard & Ira for a guided tour.
We would like to invite you to come learn about herbs at our
Tea & Tour: Saturday May 16, 2015
(If it rains hard, we will cancel.)
Join Hildegard and Ira for a Guided Tour of the Twin Oaks Herb Garden in Louisa, Virginia.
with Morning Tea (10 a.m. to noon)
or Afternoon Tea (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)
Enjoy assorted sweet & savory herbal treats and teas. You'll receive recipes and have time to chat with our herbalists. Plants from the garden will be available for purchase.
For more information or to reserve your space, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or voicemail: 540-903-1669.
Our Herb Specialists
Our Herb Specialists
Ira Wallace
Studied at New College Environmental Studies Institute, workshops at N. C. Botanical Gardens, and Ontario Herbalist Society at Dandelion Community, Certified Plants Person with the Ontario Board of Horticulturists.
Hildegard Ott
Organic gardener, writer, homesteader, specializing as herbal consultant. Maker of herbal products, salves, balms, tinctures, wreaths, etc.
For further information about the herbal workshops or herbs,
please call Hildegard at (540) 894-5126
or e-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You can register for the Herb Day by phone or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Let us know your name, address, and phone number. The fee is $10 per session, payable to Twin Oaks Community. Please reserve early.
Herbs List
Twin Oaks Community Herb Garden |
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Common & Latin Name |
Uses |
Notes |
Alfalfa Medicago sativa |
Tonic, nutritive, anti-inflamatory Used for: vitamins, minerals and calcium |
hardy perennial |
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Angelica Angelica archangelica |
Used for: colds, coughs, pleurisy, colic, rheumatism, diseases of the urinary organs |
biennial |
||
Anise Hyssop Agastache foeniculum |
Used for: tea |
perennial non spreading mint |
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Apothecary’s Rose Rose gallica officinalis |
Used for: tea, edible flower |
|||
Arnica, American Arnica chamissonis |
Used for: bruises, burns, inflamations Can blister the skin |
perennial |
||
Artemisia, Old Woman Artemisia stellerana |
Used for: dried wreath making |
spreading perennial |
||
Artemisia, Silver King Artemisia ludoviciana |
Used for: dried wreath making |
spreading perennial |
||
Artemisia, Sweet Annie Artemisia Annua |
Used for: tonic summer tea, tonic to the liver during heat & humidity |
hardy annual |
||
Aster, New England Aster novae angliae |
Can be dried for smudging Used for: fever, pain |
perennial |
||
Balm of Gilead Populus balsamifera |
Stimulant and diuretic Buds are covered with a resinous material that is a good preservative for other ointments Used for: rheumatism, chest, stomach, and kidney problems, bruises, swellings, skin problems |
tree |
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Bamboo, Bent Knee (or Golden Groove) Phyllostachys aureosulcata |
Used for: edible shoots, usable canes, hot weather tea from leaves |
spreading perennial |
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Bamboo, Black Phyllostachys nigra |
Used for: black ornamental canes, edible shoots, hot weather tea from leaves |
" |
||
Bamboo, Flute Phyllostachys rubra marginata |
Used for: making flutes, edible shoots, hot weather tea from leaves |
" |
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Bamboo, Golden Phyllostachys aurea |
Used for: decorative walking sticks, edible shoots, hot weather tea from leaves |
" |
||
Basil, Sweet Ocymum basilium |
Used for: mild nervous headaches, rheumatic pains, vomiting, nausea, warts |
annual |
||
Bee Balm, Purple (bergamot) Monarda didyma |
Used for: tea, edible flowers Historical note: Boston settlers used this plant for tea after dumping Brittish tea in a tax resisting action. |
spreading perennial |
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Bee Balm, Red (bergamot) Monarda didyma |
See above |
" |
||
Bloodroot Sanguinaria candensis |
Expectorant, emmenagogue Used for: asthma, bronchitis, croup, nervous irritation, lowering high pulse, heart palpitation, ringworm, dysentery, fungoid growths, eczema In toxic doses, it causes burning in the stomach, intense thirst, vomiting, faintness, vertigo |
woodland perennial |
||
Boneset Eudatorium |
Stimulant, laxative Used for: muscular rheumatism, colds, fever, flu, dyspepsia, tapeworm |
perennial |
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Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
|
Used for: ornamental wreaths, creating hedging in gardens |
shrub |
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Bugle, Common Ajuga reptans |
Astringent and mildly-analgesic used for: wounds, cleansing the liver, hemorrhage, cough, hangover |
low growing spreading perennial |
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Calendula (Pot Marigold) Calendula Officinalis |
Used for: first-aid skin lotions and ointments |
hardy annual |
||
Cardinal Flower (Giant Lobelia) lobelia siphilitica |
Used for: sedative, coughs |
perennial |
||
Catnip (Catnep, Catmint) Nepeta cataria |
Used for: cat intoxication, human colds and fevers, inducing sleep, restlessness, colic |
perennial |
||
Celandine, Greater Chelidonium majus |
Used for: warts, corns, stomach pains, inflammation of the bilary duct, jaundice, eczema, obstructions of the liver and gallbladder, warts, ringworm, corns |
perennial |
||
Chamomile, German Matricaria recutita |
See below |
hardy annual |
||
Chamomile, Roman Chamaemelum nobile |
Used for: relaxation, skin wash, fevers, nightmares, indigestion, colic, heartburn, loss of appetite, gout, headache |
spreading perennial |
||
Chastetree Agnus castus |
Used for: hormonal balancing, regulating menstrual bleeding or too frequent menstruation, paralysis, pains in the limbs |
small tree |
||
Chervil Anthriscus Cereifolium |
Used for: food |
biennial |
||
Chives, Garlic Allium Tuberosum |
Used for: food |
perennial, self sows |
||
Chives, Onion Allium Schoenoprasum |
Used for: food |
perennial, self sows |
||
Cilantro Coriandrum Sativum |
Used for: food |
annual, likes cool weather |
||
Clove Pink (Carnation) Dianthus caryophyllus |
Used for: flavoring ales and wines, scenting potpourri |
perennial |
||
Clover, Red Trifolium pratense |
alterative and antispasmodic Used for: tonic, blood purifying, cancer, bronchial troubles, whooping cough, gastric troubles, ulcers, calcium |
short lived perennial |
||
Coltsfoot Tussilago Farfara |
Used for: coughs, colds, hoarseness, bronchitis, asthma |
spreading perennial |
||
Comfrey Symphytum officinale |
Contains allantoin, a hormone-like substance that stimulates cell division Used for: wounds, ulcers, broken bones Pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in comfrey leaves and roots have reportedly caused liver damage when eaten over a long period of time. External use is safe. |
perennial, grows from root pieces- beware |
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Costmary Tanacetum balsamita |
Used for: food, fixative for potpourri |
spreading perennial |
||
Currant, Black Ribes nigrum |
Used for: sore throat, fever |
bush |
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Currant, Clove Ribes odonatum |
See above |
" |
||
Dame’s Rocket (Sweet Rocket) Hesperis matronalis |
Used for: edible flowers |
short lived perennial, self sows |
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Day Lily Hemerocalis |
Used for: salads |
clumping perennial |
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Dill Anethum graveolens |
stimulant, carminative Used for: food, flatulence |
annual, self sows |
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Echinacea Echinacea augustifolia |
Antiseptic, alterative Used for: increasing resistance to infection, cancer, syphilis, hemorrhoids, fever |
perennial |
||
Echinacea Echinacea purpurea |
See above |
perennial |
||
Elderberry Sambucus canadensis |
Used for: fevers, colds, skin |
shrub |
||
Elecampane Inula helenium |
Diuretic, tonic, diaphoretic, expectorant, alterative, antiseptic, astringent and gently stimulant Used for: coughing, bronchitis, asthma, stimulating digestion, toning the stomach, skin problems, pulmonary disease, healing sheep and horses |
perennial 5’ |
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Eucalyptus Eucalyptus neglecta |
Stimulant, antiseptic, aromatic Used for: sore throat, tuberculosis, bronchitis, croup, parasitic skin infections, deodorizing the air In large doses, it irritates the kidneys |
shrub |
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Eucalyptus, Babyblue Eucalyptus archerii |
See above |
shrub |
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Fennel Foeniculum vulgare dulce |
Used for: improving digestibility of oily foods, calming infants, chronic coughs, flatulence |
shrub |
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Fennel, Bronze Foeniculum vulgare dulce rubrum |
See above |
perennial |
||
Fenugreek Foenum Graecum Trigonella |
Used for: fevers, stomach upset, diabetes, abscesses, boils, carbuncles, gout
|
annual |
||
Feverfew Chrysanthemum parthenium |
Aperient, carminative, bitter, emmenagogue Used for: migraines, arthritis, reducing tension, coughs, insect bites |
perennial |
||
Foxglove Digitalis Purpurea |
Source of digitalis, which stimulates and regulates the heart Too powerful to use without medicial supervision. |
biennial |
||
Garlic Allium Sativum |
Antibiotic Used for: high blood pressure, repelling insects |
perennial |
||
Garlic, Elephant Allium ampeloprasum var ampeloprasum |
See above |
perennial |
||
Geranium, Apple Pelargonium Odoratissimum |
Used for: |
perennial |
||
Germander, Wall Teucrium Chamaedrys |
Stimulant, tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic Used for: upset stomach, promoting appetite, gout, fevers, uterine obstructions, coughs, headache |
perennial |
||
Goldenrod, Sweet Solidago odora |
Used for: stomach and bowel complaints |
perennial |
||
Goldenseal Hydrastis Canadensis |
Used for: sore gums, gastritis, nasal congestion, digestion, sore eyes, yellow dye, hemorrhoids, liver troubles, constipation, vomiting |
perennial |
||
Gooseberry Ribes Grossularia |
Used for: inflammations, spring tonics |
bush |
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Goutweed Aegopodium podograria |
Sedative, diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties Used for: gout, sciatica, arthritis, rheumatism, inflamation |
spreading perennial |
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Grapes Vitis vinifera |
Used for: food |
vine |
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Heartsease ( Viola, Johnny Jump Up) Viola tricolor |
Used for: dropsy, respiratory catarrh and skin eruptions, epilepsy, asthma, heart disease, love potion |
hardy annual |
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Hen & Chicks (Houseleek) Sempervium tectorum |
Used for: burns and various skin diseases, earache |
perennial |
||
Hops Humulus lupulus |
Used for: flavoring for beer, calming tension, insomnia, improving the appetite and digestion |
strong growing vine |
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Horehound, Black Marrubium vulgare |
antispasmodic and expectorant Used for: nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, morning sickness, stimulating the uterus |
perennial |
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Horse Tail Equisetum arvense |
Contains silicic compounds which promote the coagulation of blood Used for: bleeding ulcers, excessive menstrual flow, mouth and gum inflammations, kidney and bladder infections, hemorrhage, swollen eyelids |
spreading perennial |
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Horseradish Cochlearia armoracia |
Used for: digestion, rheumatism, promoting perspiration, cough, worms
|
perennial, grows from root pieces |
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Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis |
Used for: weak stomach, muscular rheumatism, bruises, cuts, pulmonary disease
|
perennial |
||
Ivy Hedera helix |
Used for: dysentery, jaundice, sunburn |
spreading perennial |
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Ivy, Ground Glechoma hederacea |
Used for: kidney diseases, indigestion, coughs, nervous headaches, bruises, black eyes, sore and weak eyes |
spreading perennial |
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Japanese Ginger Zingiber mioga |
Used for: food |
spreading perennial |
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Lady’s Bedstraw Galium verum |
Used for: urinary diseases, red dye |
mat forming perennial 1’ |
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Lady’s Mantle, Alpine Alchemilla alpina |
See below |
perennial 1’ |
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Lady’s Mantle, Regular Alchemilla mollis |
astringent Used for: wounds, menstrual disorders, stimulating appetite, rheumatism, stomach ailments, muscle disorders |
perennial 1’ |
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Lambs Ears, Wooly Stachys byzantina |
Used for: bandaging wounds, wreath making |
spreading perennial 2’ |
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Lavender Lavandula angustifolia |
Used for: dried sachets, scented soaps, perfume, potpourri, faintness, spasms, colic, flatulence, fatigue, toothache, neuralgia, sprains, rheumatism |
perennial 2’ |
||
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis |
Used for: tea, heart stimulant, calming nerves, melancholy |
mildly spreading perennial 2’ |
||
Licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra |
Used for: throat, lungs, balancing other herbs in perscriptions |
perennial4’ |
||
Ligonberry Vaccinium vitus-idaea |
Used for: |
spreading perennial 1’ |
||
Lilac Syringa vulgaris |
Used for: |
shrub 4’-6’ |
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Lobelia, Blue (Indian Tobacco) Lobelia inflata |
Used for: bronchitis, epilepsy, tonsillitis, sprains, bruises, skin diseases, expectorant, nauseant, sedative, asthma, whooping cough, stimulant in small doses, nerve depressant in larger doses Excessive doses can cause severe depression. |
perennial 2’ |
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Lotus, Sacred Nelumbo nucifera |
Used for: food and medicine, |
water plant 4’-6’ |
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Lovage Levisticum officinale |
Used for: stomach disorders, fevers colic, flatulence, emmenagogue |
perennial 3’ |
||
Lungwort Pulmoniaria officinalis |
astringent used for: coughs, bronchitis, excess mucus, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, inflammation |
woodland perennial 1’ |
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Madder, Rose Rubia tinctorium |
Used for: nosebleeds, hemorrhages, blood disorders, reducing fever, source of red dye |
spreading perennial 3’ |
||
Marjoram, Sweet Origanum majorana |
Used for: sprains, bruises, emmenagogue, sneezing powder |
tender perennial 1’ |
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Marshmallow Althaea officinalis |
Used for: irritations & inflammations of the skin, throat, eyes, lungs and urinary organs |
peennial 3’ |
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Meadowsweet Fillidendula ulmaria
|
Contains salicylic acid, chemically similar to aspirin Used for: flu, gout, rheumatism, arthritis, fever |
perennial4’ |
||
Mint, Fairy Pycnathemum nuticum |
Used for: |
spreading perennial 2’ |
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Mint, Mountain Pycnathemum pilosum |
Used for: |
spreading perennial 3’ |
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Mint, Peppermint Mentha piperita |
anti-spasmodic, stimulant, stomachic and carminative Used for: alternative to coffee or caffeinated tea, stomach indigestion, stomach cramps, flatulence, colic, diarrhea, nausea, flavoring other medicines don’t drink while pregnant |
spreading perennial 2’ |
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Mint, Spearmint Mentha viridis
|
Similar to peppermint, but not as strong |
spreading perennial 2’ |
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Moneyplant Lunaria |
Used for: dried arrangements |
biennial 2’ |
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Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca |
Used for: PMS, menstrual pain, delayed menstruation, sedative, calming the nervous system, strengthening the heart, circulation |
perennial, self sows 3’ |
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Mullein Verbascum thapsus |
emulcent, emollient, astringent Used for: bleeding of the lungs and bowels, sedative, cough, mucus membrane irritation, hemorrhoids, diarrhea |
biennial 5’ |
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Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus |
Used for: promotes appetite |
annual 1’ |
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Nettle, Dead (Purple Archangel) Lamium purpureum |
Used for: stopping hemorrhages, inducing sweating in order to combat chills |
winter weed, perennial |
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Nettle, Stinging Urtica dioica |
Astringent, stimulant Used for: bronchial and asthmatic problems, poison and venomous bites, hair growth |
spreading perennial, stings |
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Oregano Origanum vulgare hirtum |
Used for: food, colds |
perennial 2’ |
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Orris Iris germanica var. Florentina |
Used for: perfume and potpourri |
perennial 2’ |
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Parsley Crispum petroselinum |
Used for: stomach upset, bad breath |
biennial |
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Passion Flower Passiflora incarnata |
Used for: reducing arterial pressure, epilepsy, diarrhea, dysentery, sleeplessness |
vine, perennial, can be invasive |
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Pennyroyal Mentha Pulegium |
Used for: headache, repelling insects, fainting, stomach upset, spasms |
low creeper, perennial |
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Primrose Primula Vulgaris |
Antispasmodic, vermifuge, emetic, astringent Used for: muscular rheumatism, paralysis, gout, sedative, headaches |
perennial, 1’, yellow blooms in spring |
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Prunella (Self Heal) Prunella Vulgaris |
Astringent and antiseptic Used for: first aid on fresh wounds, sore throats, bleeding gums, hemorrhoids, heavy menstruation |
perennial, self sows, |
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Pussy Willow Salix caprea |
Contains salicylic acid, chemically similar to aspirin Used for: sore throat, heartburn, stomach problems, food poisoning, arthritic pain, corns |
shrub |
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Rose Hip Rose Rosa rugosa |
Used for: souce of vitamin C |
shrub |
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Rosemary "ARP" Rosmarinus officinalis |
astringent, diaphoretic, stimulant Used for: headache, hair-lotions, preventing premature baldness, dandruff, stimulating the kidneys, circulation, colic, colds, antispasmodic, asthma |
perennial, needs winter protection |
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Rue Ruta graveolens |
Used for: headache, repelling insects, coughs, croupy affections, colic, flatulence, nightmares |
perennial 3’ |
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Sage Salvia officinalis |
Used for: dyspepsia, sore throat, bleeding gums |
perennial 3’ |
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Sorrel, Sheep Rumex acetosella |
Used for: fevers, inflammation, diarrhea, excessive menstruation, cancer, urinary and kidney diseases |
low creeping perennial |
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Southernwood Artemisia abrotanum
|
Antiseptic Used for: emmenagogue, worms |
perennial 3’ |
||
Speedwell, Garden Veronica longifolia |
Used for: |
perennial 2’ |
||
Speedwell, Silver Veronica incana |
Used for: |
" |
||
St. John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum |
Used for: insomnia, depression, bedwetting, bladder troubles, painful joints, strained muscles, hemorrhages, jaundice |
short lived perennial 3’ |
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Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata |
Antiseptic Used for: coughs, flatulence, gentle stomachs stimulant, snake and dog bites, |
3’ perennial |
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Sweet William Dianthus barbatus |
Used for: edible flowers |
2’ biennial |
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Tansy, Curled (Crisp) Tanacetum vulgare var. Crispum |
See below |
perennial 3’ on runners |
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Tansy, Plain Tanacetum vulgare |
Used for: repelling ants and cockroaches |
" |
||
Tarragon, French Artemisia dracunculus Sativa
|
Used for: food |
2’ perennial |
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Thyme, Garden Thymus vulgaris |
Anti-bacterial, anti- fungal Used for: colds |
1’ perennial |
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Thyme, Lemon Thymus x citriodorus |
See above |
" |
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Thyme, Mother of Thymus serpyllum |
See above |
short crawling perennial |
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Thyme, Mother of (Red) Thymus Serpyllum var. Coccineus |
See above |
" |
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Thyme, Oregano Thymus sp. |
See above |
" |
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Thyme, Pennsylvania Dutch Tea ? |
See above |
" |
||
Tobacco Nicotiana rustica |
Used for: bee stings, smoking, insectiside |
annual, 3’ |
||
Valerian Valeriana officinalis |
Used for: sedative |
3’ perennial |
||
Violet, Sweet Viola odorata |
Used for: tea, edible flowers, cold sores, vitamin C |
1’ self sowing perennial |
||
Winter Savory Satureja montana |
Anti-bacterial Used for: colds |
2’ perennial |
||
Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana |
Astringent with hemostatic properties Used for: hemorrhoids, varicose veins |
small tree |
||
Wolfberry Lycium Barbarum |
See below |
vine |
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Wolfberry, Chinese (Matrimony Vine, Gou-gi-zi) Lycium Chinense But Richters says Lycium barbarum |
Used for: strengthening muscles and bone, restoring liver function, improving vision, increasing white blood cell counts, stimulating tissue development |
" |
||
Wood Betony Stachys officinalis |
Used for: substitute for black tea, headache, tonic |
2’ perennial |
||
Woodruff, Sweet Galium odoratum |
Used for: vanilla scented May wine, migrane, nervous conditions |
1’ creeping perennial that is shade tolerant |
||
Wormwood Artemisia powis castle |
Used for: absinthe and other liquors, vermifuge for worms |
3’ perennial |
||
Yarrow Achillea millefolium |
Used for: cuts, cleansing skin, digestion, circulation, building natural resistance to colds, helping the functions of the liver, gall bladder, and kidneys, stop bleeding |
3’ perennial |
Herb Garden Photos
Here's a small selection of photos from the Herb Garden and one of our annual herb day events.
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Herb garden arbor
Arbor. A beautiful sitting spot that looks out over the herb garden. Courtyard buildings visible behind.
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Cutting garden
Cutting garden. Set up to encourage members to self-serve in the cutting of ornamentals.
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For sale
For sale. Various potted plants are sold from the herb garden, particularly during the annual herb day workshop.
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Globe
Globe
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Lotus pond
Lotus pond. Large leaves inside bamboo fence are lotus, in a goldfish pond.
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Monarch butterfly.
Monarch butterfly. Sundial visible in middle ground.
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Lotus blossom.
Lotus blossom.
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Herb Workshop
Herb Workshop (2007 photos)(renamed Herb Day for 2012). One-day event held annually in May. Ira Wallace presenting.
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Ira and attendees.
Ira and attendees.
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Concrete Earth Spirits.
Concrete Earth Spirits.
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Cut flowers for sale
Cut flowers for sale
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Hildegard and participant
Hildegard and participant
Arbor. A beautiful sitting spot that looks out over the herb garden. Courtyard buildings visible behind.
Cutting garden. Set up to encourage members to self-serve in the cutting of ornamentals.
For sale. Various potted plants are sold from the herb garden, particularly during the annual herb day workshop.
Globe
Lotus pond. Large leaves inside bamboo fence are lotus, in a goldfish pond.
Monarch butterfly. Sundial visible in middle ground.
Lotus blossom.
Herb Workshop (2007 photos)(renamed Herb Day for 2012). One-day event held annually in May. Ira Wallace presenting.
Ira and attendees.
Concrete Earth Spirits.
Cut flowers for sale
Hildegard and participant
A large garden next to the Courtyard buildings complex. Includes hundreds of culinary, medicinal and ornamental herbs. An annual workshop open to the public is given here.