From the kitchen to fragrance, herbs have many uses

September 1, 1995

From Correspondent Carolyn O'Neil

(CNN) -- A walk through an herbal garden can provide a tranquil retreat from an often loud and hectic world. From fragrant herbs preserved and ready for recipes any time of the year to the beauty and bounty of a small herb garden, growing herbs has become all the rage in America.

The 15-year-old herb garden at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens flourishes thanks to the horticultural skills of Lindsay Newell, who's specialty is maintaining herb gardens.

But, you don't need a big garden to grow herbs. Newell says you can start with a terra-cotta pot called a strawberry pot.

First an inch or two of gravel is added for drainage, and then after some potting soil has been tamped down, Lindsay adds the first plants, pulling them through the holes.

"And they all grow nicely together," said Newell. "They all like hot sun and well drained soil. They're all perennial herbs."

Newell uses thyme, sage, oregano, mint, parsley, chives and rosemary for the very top. "It's great to have an outside kitchen door and go out and cut what you need," Newell said.

The only trouble with success in gardening is what to do with the crops.

Geri Laufer, whose specialty is drying flowers for beautiful decorations and potpourri, also knows a thing or two about drying herbs for cooking.

Laufer said he has found "the more quickly you can dry herbs, the more essential oils you retain," and the best place to dry quickly is in the attic.

Related sites:

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• Herbs and Spices in the Italian Kitchen
  A list, in both Italian and English, of spices and how to use them in preparing Italian dishes

• Herban Revival
  An article from the National Restaurant Association about the resurgence of herbs in fine dining

• Herbs & Spices
  Virtually endless site includes historical and geographical information, as well as reference sources and tips on growing your own herbs

• Herbs, Spices & Condiments
  A list of links to small mail-order herb shops, the McCormick Company and other seasonings providers

• Spices and Herbs for the Home Garden
  Some tips are solely for those in New Mexico, but offers an informative guide to herbs and how to grow them wherever you may be

• Helpful hints for cooking with herbs and spices
  Tips from real people about what works with herbs and spices

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