Penn State Master Gardeners help maintain herb gardens at the William Vicary Mansion in Freedom.
The William Vicary Mansion in Freedom is one of the historical sites with which Penn State Master Gardeners of Beaver County has established a longstanding partnership.
William Vicary was a prominent Philadelphia sea captain who built his family home overlooking the Ohio River in the late 1820s. Today the mansion is home to the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmark Foundation and offers tours and events for the public.
In addition to the mansion, visitors can experience period herbal, vegetable, and flower gardens diligently maintained by Master Gardeners and other volunteers.
The main point of interest is the herb garden, which consists of both medicinal and culinary herbs that were used in the early and mid-1800s.
Master Gardeners do not educate on use of medicinal herbs or promote their use as cures for any medical conditions. These are grown at the mansion for purely historical reasons. Among those found in the garden include feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium), which as its name suggests, was believed to combat fevers.
In addition, feverfew has merits as a culinary herb and leaves can be used to flavor soups and stews. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a member of the daisy family and was known for its calming/relaxing effect. Europeans used chamomile as a cure for asthma, insomnia, neuralgia, back pain, inflammation, and rheumatism. As a mouthwash, chamomile was used to relieve pain associated with toothache. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a shrubby perennial that was used for a variety of ailments.
Monarda fistulosa, also known as wild bergamot, was made into a tea (Oswego tea) by American Indians as relief of colds and nausea. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has long been known for tranquility and purity. It was popular for strewing over floors for its insect-repellent properties and long-lasting fragrance.
Culinary herbs also have historic importance in the garden. Those that can be found at Vicary Mansion are, for the most part, recognizable and still used in cooking today. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has spiky leaves and a pungent flavor and can be used in soups and stews or on meats.
Garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a versatile herb used with many meats and vegetables and in both savory and sweet dishes. Sage (Salvia officinalis) is commonly known for its role with Thanksgiving turkey and dressing.
Other culinary herbs that provide interest and variety include French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus); winter savory (Satureja montana); borage (Borago officinalis); chive (Allium schoenoprasum); dill (Anethum graveolens); fennel (Foeniculum vulgare); and parsley (Petroselinum sativum).
Culinary herbs not only add flavor to food, they are also easy to grow either in containers or in the ground. Most herbs mentioned here are available in gardening centers as plants or seeds. Herbs add a great deal of interest when interspersed with flowers and vegetables. Experiment with growing some in your garden and take time to research the history and many uses of those you choose.
Evita Ely is a Master Gardener with Penn State Extension -- Beaver County.
"herbs" - Google News
March 30, 2020 at 11:48PM
https://ift.tt/33TSLjR
Over the Garden Gate: Growing herbs with historical interest - Ellwood City Ledger
"herbs" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2QrhQgM
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Over the Garden Gate: Growing herbs with historical interest - Ellwood City Ledger"
Post a Comment