Growing 101 Herbs That Heal: Gardening Techniques, Recipes, and Remedies
An excellent guide for novices and experts alike,Growing 101 Herbs That Healcombines gardening, cooking, crafts, and natural healthcare into one sturdy manual.  The author's care and concern for healthy plants and people are evident on every page, and there's an astonishing amount of detail in every section. Simple plant listings cover multiple pages, outlining everything from drainage preferences to the size and color of blooms. The different garden styles presented range from formal knot gardens to carefree wild gardens, with lots of choices for raised beds and containers.  Organic methods for fertilizing and pest control are emphasized--time to get familiar with beneficial nematodes!If you've already got an herbal garden in place and are now wondering what to do with your harvest, look no further. Delicious recipes for breads, soups, and salads are here, along with medicinal tinctures, creams, and bath soaks, which are great for gifts or home use. There are also straightforward tips for starting an herb-based home business from your own creations. The last section is a fascinating materia medica that devotes a separate page to each herb, going into beneficial companion plants, harvesting time, market value, and home pharmacy uses. From common peppermint to the unusual yerba de la negrita, you'll enjoy the lovely pictures at least as much as the helpful information.--Jill Lightner