Garden Themes
                      If you are like me and like to try something new in the garden
                     every year,  then perhaps you should consider planting a theme
                     garden. A theme garden means a garden in which all the plants
                     have a unifying feature such as function or color. Most of you
                     have probably heard of, seen, or already planted a moon garden
                     in which all the plants are white so that they appear to glow
                     under the moonlight, but there are numeruous themes waiting to
                     be thought up. I am going to get you started by giving you some
                     ideas on a theme and the kinds of plants you should put in your
                     garden, but by all means make changes where possible and
                     include your own ideas.
 
                                                  Biblical Garden
 
                                     Bible gardens are becoming very popular and I
                     think I may start one this year. I am always leaving things till the
                     last minute. The truth is I can never make up my mind.
                                          The bible is full of references to herbs and here is a
                    list to get you started: hyssop, rue, wormwood, saffron, mint,dill,
                     mustard, coriander, anise, cumin, endive, sorrel, dandelions(ha,
                     I have plenty of those!), chicory and roses. A pot of aloe will
                     finish it off. Unless you live where it's warm enough to just plant
                     it with the rest of the plants. Good luck on your Inspirational
                     Garden!

                                                  Medicinal Garden

                                           If you decide on this one, please do both of us a
                     favor and don't actually use any of these medicinally unless you
                     absolutely know what you are doing. I personally think it fun to
                     be able to tell visitors what they used to use the plants for in the
                     old days and watch the look on their face. Be sure to always
                     have on hand a good reference book so you can look all these
                    plants up and learn more about them. Here is a list of some of the
                     plants you may include but there are plenty more to substitute
                     with:(most of these plants are poisonous, so keep that in mind if
                     you have children helping you!)See my section on kids in the
                     garden!
                     Valerian-Perennial, oil from the root has been used as a sedative
                     and painkiller.
                     Gentian-Perennial, used as a digestive aid, vermicide and
                     antiseptic wound treatment.
                     Mullein-Biennial, used to treat coughs, congestion, tuberculosis
                     and smoked to soothe pulmonary diseases.
                    Elecampane-Perennial, rhizomes used to treat respiratory diseases
                   American Hellebore- rhizome has been used as a sedative, emetic,
                     and to treat hypertension. Poisonous.
                     Comfrey-Perennial, used to reduce inflammation and to heal
                     broken bones.
                   Lobelia-Annual, used to treat asthma, as a nerve stimulant and as
                    a tobacco substitute.
                     Feverfew-Pernennial, flowers have been used as a sedative and
                     tonic. Very useful in migraine therapy.
                     Betony-Perennial, leaves have been used as a poultice, emetic,
                     tonic, nervine and sedative.
                     Aconite-Perennial, rhizomes have been used as a sedative, pain
                     killer and to treat rheumatism. Poisonous.
                     Foxglove- Biennial used as a heart stimulant and to treat dropsy.
                     Poisonous.
                     Arnica-Perennial, flowers have been used as a compress for
                     bruises, wounds and inflammation. Poisonous.
                     Echinacea-Perennial, Very popular today as an anti-infective.
                     Horehound-Perennial, leaves and flowers have been used for
                     coughs and colds.
                    Roman Chamomile-Perennial, flowers are used as a sedative and
                     hair rinse.
                     Autumn Crocus-Perennial bulb, seeds and corms have been used
                     to treat gout and rheumatism. Poisonous!
 
                                                   Dye Garden

                                             Dye garden used to be an integral part of most
                     dooryard gardens.
                     Queen of the Meadow, Weld, Golden Marguerite, Marigold,
                     Lady's Bedstraw, Saffron, Soapwort(included because the roots
                     produce a soapy lather that the yarn was washed in before
                     dyeing), Safflower, Goldenrod, Woad, St. John's Wort, Zinnia,
                     and Calliopsis.

                                                 Fragrant Garden
 
                                         This is a garden that you can really have a free
                   hand in. There are so many herbs that you can use have fun with
                    it. Sweet Violets, lavender, thyme(of which there are many scents
                     available), scented geraniums, BeeBalm, Lemon Balm, Catmint,
                     Garlic Chives, Nasturtiums, Sweet Annie(my favorite!!) Hyssop,
                     Basil(different scents available) and any herb whose scent you
                     find attractive. Good Smelling to you!
 

                                                 Everlasting Garden

                                              Part of the fun of planting a garden is using the
                     flowers for decorating year round. Plant an everlasting garden
                     and have fun making dried arrangements in winter!
                     Wormwood, Lavender, Goldenrod, Yarrow, Sweet Marjoram,
                     Feverfew, Rue, Strawflower, Sunflowers, Bells of Ireland,
                     Scabosia, Lunaria, etc. I consider any flower that drys well an
                     everlasting. Remember, when picking your flowers for drying,
                     cut flowers before fully open on a dry day after the dew has
                     evaporated.
 
                                                  Kitchen Garden

                                              It's nice to plant one of these gardens right by
                     the back door if possible. I am constantly running out to snip off
                     some fresh herbs every day! Plant those herbs that you know you
                     will use and give extras to family and friends. Fresh herbs are
                     fantastic!
                     Any of the basils, Mint (confined to pots sunk in the ground if
                     you don't want it to spread and take over everything else!)
                     Purple Sage, Curly Parsley, Chives, Thyme, Bergamot Mint,
                     Apple Mint, Spearmint, Peppermint, Borage, Rosemary, Bay
                     (I leave mine in a pot so I can bring it indoors for winter) and
                     any edible herbs you can find!