From the children's garden it is a very short walk to the area where produce is grown.
There is a thriving herb garden our side of the fence. At this link I found a few interesting facts. Growing pots of basil not only smells good but it deters flies and mosquitoes who are repelled by its scent. Mint leaves or oil also deters ants and so a few scattered leaves in your cupboards can prove a useful, natural solution if you are having a problem with these pesky critters.
The Romans believed that the consumption of mint would increase their intelligence and the smell of mint in their houses was also a symbol of hospitality. Parsley is a natural breath freshener, particularly in combating the
potency of garlic
Herbal seeds have been found in pre-historic cave dwellings dating back as far as 500,000 years ago. Our ancestors have always used herbs in cooking and health remedies. The Egyptians studied herbs and used them in medicinal and religious functions as far back as 3500 B.C. Ancient records reveal recipes for herb infused oils and creams in the
tombs of legendary beauties such as Cleopatra. The Chinese began the organized study of herbs in 2500 B.C. Written records in China have survived, detailing the uses of herbs that date back from 100 BC. I found lots more information at this link.
We also saw signs saying that all produce grown is donated to local food banks. The garden near us does the same.
I applaud them wholeheartedly for doing this...
and I can't leave without adding a quote, this time about herbs.
We were slowly meandering our way to the car and came across a second family whose daughter was celebrating her Quinceanera. I wrote about the first at this post. Not wanting to intrude, I was only able to take one photo from a distance using the camera with the zoom, a sweet moment between the young lady and her sister. Very heartwarming!
I couldn't quite make out what her gown looked like this time, but from a distance I could see it was a pretty pink. I bet it was beautiful!
And this last photo of the Spiraea is the end of today's post. We will be going back relatively soon, maybe in a week or two.
Beautiful shots.
ReplyDeleteThank you William, the garden makes it easy :)
DeleteThe Spirea looks like lace. And your Foxglove photo is beautiful. I have never heard of or seen Spanish Lavender; how different and interesting it is from the regular kind!!
ReplyDeleteThe garden gives me great ideas on what to plant in the garden :)
DeleteLovely photos and it's good the produce is donated, people would appreciate that.
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret, totally agree :)
DeleteWhat an absolutely blissful walk from beginning to end. Hooray for donating produce too.
ReplyDeleteBlissful is a good word for this place :) and yes, hooray!
DeleteBeautiful garden and many useful herbs.
ReplyDeleteVery much so :)
DeleteFabulous photos and such a wonderful place. I had heard about mint repelling certain insects I didn't know about basil. That's awesome that they donate all the produce to a food bank.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann:) I have heard about certain herbs and their uses with insects, but didn't know much about it. I'm going to try their suggestions if we need to. Yes, I am very happy to see their harvest go to the food bank :)
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of the garden. It is great that the produce is donated to the food banks. The flowers are beautiful. Take care, enjoy your day and happy weekend!
Thank you Eileen and agree :) You take care, enjoy your day and happy weekend also :)
DeleteBardzo ciekawe informacje i piękne fotografie. Miłego weekendu 😊
ReplyDeleteBardzo dziękuję i również życzę udanego weekendu :)
DeleteI did not know about basil and mosquitoes, we need a bunch of that. I don't like the taste of basil, once accidently bought a basil chicken and bob had to eat all of it. he doesn't care for it but will eat things he doesn't like. i have extreme taste buds, hearing and smelling.. makes me crazy. I do know Foxglove can murder someone. i learned a lot of things today i did not know. now to see if I retain the info.
ReplyDeleteThe mosquitos are quite big down there aren't they Sandra? Or am I getting confused? It's interesting how we all have different tastes in things. I see that between the two of us. You sound like hubby, he has an incredible sense of smell and taste. I hardly have any.
DeleteI have heard about Foxgloves too. Your comment got me curious and I found this:
https://www.poison.org/articles/foxglove?gclid=CjwKCAjwhdWkBhBZEiwA1ibLmKCFrcWDHLIZre0DQNERT8lz_NzMUO9fvLqmuSGHfJMdukpy7P_YJBoCmXQQAvD_BwE
I don't think I would plant them if we had children or pets around. Not sure how general wildlife would cope.
I love spirea...so delicate. Thanks for all the information!
ReplyDeletehugs
Donna
You are very welcome Donn and sending hugs :)
DeleteI love that they donate to the food banks. That's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYes, we need to help each other out when we hit hard times :)
DeleteA lovely post full of pretty flowers and interesting information. I learnt a lot, for example I've never heard of a quinceanera celebration. The photo of the girls among the flowers is delightful.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda :) I am happy you enjoyed my post.
DeleteLovely
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine :)
DeleteA much used word but I agree with other comments :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely post.
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan and all the best to you too :)
DeleteIt was lovely to see the herb garden and made me miss the fact that we can no longer grow many. However, we have basil, parsley, rosemary growing in a large container on our window sill in the apt.
ReplyDeleteYour herb garden sounds lovely :)
DeleteLovely pictures!
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda :)
Delete