Dallas Morning News – December 28, 2017
Evergreen Herbs and One with Special Talents
Many people, especially guys, think that herbs are just for making potpourri, sachets and food seasonings, but herbs are much more that than. Any plant that has a use other than just looking pretty should be considered herbal – and they also exist in all categories – annuals such as basil, perennials such as comfrey, shrubs such as hibiscus, ornamental trees such as redbud and large trees such as ginkgo.
Herbs do not have to be planted as a specific garden. I like to use them as part of the landscape design being mixed with ornamental choices. They fit in well and great as part of the landscape design. Many are even evergreen choices. Among the best of those are oregano, thyme, wormwood, juniper, chives, germander, lavender and rosemary that are all tough in the summer and winter hardy. Black pepper is a beautiful semi-hardy evergreen and aloe vera should be in every garden but needs protection in the winter.
One of my favorites in this group of evergreens is sweet myrtle. It is a hardy herb with bushy compact growth, aromatic dark green glossy foliage and small attractive white flowers in early summer sometimes followed by blue-black berries. It’s a beautiful in and out of bloom. It is slow growing to a height of 5-8’ usually but can grow up to 15 feet with a spread to 6 feet but it rarely gets this big. The dwarf form ‘Compacta’ only grows 2-3’ in height.
Sweet myrtle can be used as a specimen plant or as an evergreen hedge and does very well in pots. Its culinary uses are several. Flower buds and berries can be used in sweet dishes, the leaves in meat dishes. Berries can be used whole or coarsely ground. They are sweet with juniper and rosemary-like flavors. The leaves have a spicy, astringent and bitter taste with orange-like aroma and can be used whole or chopped.
However, I discovered a new use that is terrific. As cut foliage sweet myrtle lasts longer than maybe any other plant. I cut some fresh stems and put in a small vase the end of November and they were still green and fresh looking after New Years. It can be used by itself or with other cuttings and flowers. Don’t expect any of the others to last as long.
For more interesting facts about the plants I call herbs, check out the book I did with Odena Brannam –
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