https://gardenandgossip.org/ Mon, 04 May 2026 15:31:27 +0000 MyBB https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2391 Sat, 22 Nov 2025 14:40:32 +0000 Veggie]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2391
  olive herb.jpg (Size: 468.36 KB / Downloads: 6)

"The Olive Herb plant is one of the varieties that we ("Urban Herbs" are most excited to bring back next year. You guys have loved it over the past couple of years and this variety has always sold out so quickly, so we will be growing many more this year.⁠
⁠
The Olive Herb smells and tastes of olive, which can be used in so many different ways. As soon as we encountered this plant, we were amazed by the vivid aroma.⁠
⁠
The leaves can be cut and stirred into a salad or used as a seasoning within a pasta dish or homemade pizza. The flavour is strong, delicious and versatile. We think that you will discover that this incredible herb really encourages you to experiment which different flavour combinations and ideas.⁠
⁠
Enjoy adding an olive to your summer cocktails? You could also experiment by using a sprig from this fascinating plant to drinks during the summer.⁠"

Sounds tempting but, Why, do these retailers not identify these plants with their accepted name.  Like James Wong seeds, a fancy name is more  marketable. 

So, I asked the Duck and he quacked back that its Santolina (aka Saponaria, aka Cotton lavender) viridens. 
Unfortunately, Chiltern Seeds don't sell it. 


⁠]]>
  olive herb.jpg (Size: 468.36 KB / Downloads: 6)

"The Olive Herb plant is one of the varieties that we ("Urban Herbs" are most excited to bring back next year. You guys have loved it over the past couple of years and this variety has always sold out so quickly, so we will be growing many more this year.⁠
⁠
The Olive Herb smells and tastes of olive, which can be used in so many different ways. As soon as we encountered this plant, we were amazed by the vivid aroma.⁠
⁠
The leaves can be cut and stirred into a salad or used as a seasoning within a pasta dish or homemade pizza. The flavour is strong, delicious and versatile. We think that you will discover that this incredible herb really encourages you to experiment which different flavour combinations and ideas.⁠
⁠
Enjoy adding an olive to your summer cocktails? You could also experiment by using a sprig from this fascinating plant to drinks during the summer.⁠"

Sounds tempting but, Why, do these retailers not identify these plants with their accepted name.  Like James Wong seeds, a fancy name is more  marketable. 

So, I asked the Duck and he quacked back that its Santolina (aka Saponaria, aka Cotton lavender) viridens. 
Unfortunately, Chiltern Seeds don't sell it. 


⁠]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2042 Sun, 15 Oct 2023 15:36:23 +0000 Veggie]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2042 Autumn is a wonderful time to sow culinary herbs to produce a winter crop because the soil is still warm and the pest and diseases that might have been present earlier in the year, such as carrot fly, have gone away. Here are some herb seeds we are sowing this month:

- Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
- Celery Leaf (Apium graveolens)
- Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
- Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Time for a rummage in my seed heap again. ]]> Autumn is a wonderful time to sow culinary herbs to produce a winter crop because the soil is still warm and the pest and diseases that might have been present earlier in the year, such as carrot fly, have gone away. Here are some herb seeds we are sowing this month:

- Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
- Celery Leaf (Apium graveolens)
- Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
- Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Time for a rummage in my seed heap again. ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1947 Fri, 23 Jun 2023 12:54:18 +0000 toomanytommytoes]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1947
The containers are jam buckets from the same cafe we get all of the coffee grounds from. I cut two holes in the lid just wide enough to hold the yellow net cups. The net cups are filled with clay pebbles which help to support the plant. The buckets are wrapped with aluminium foil and the lids with cardboard to prevent algae building up in the water and using up all the nutrients.

The nutrient solution is just a basic hydroponic nutrient made from two powders (A & B) I got off eBay quite cheaply (£15 for 1kg of each). You make a separate stock solution of both A & B because if you try to mix the powders together in water the calcium will precipitate out. I then add 7.5 ml of each stock solution to 1 L of water. Each bucket takes 5 L of nutrient solution. The water level drops as the plant grows, so I top them up once or twice a week, depending on the weather. You have to make sure not to fill the buckets right to the top because you don't want to drown the 'oxygen roots'. 

We've had almost 300g of basil (leaf, no stem) since the start of June from 6 buckets (12 plants). The buckets are on the window sill I used to use for growing chillies, but indoor peppers don't pollinate very well and the flowers drop off. Basil in the greenhouse often gets mould or just doesn't do very well for me. The chillies are now in the greenhouse instead. It's worked out very well! This winter I'll be trying lettuce in the grow tent.

  kratky basil 1.jpg (Size: 296.72 KB / Downloads: 23)

  kratky basil 2.jpg (Size: 336.6 KB / Downloads: 23)

  kratky basil 4.jpg (Size: 217.98 KB / Downloads: 19) ]]>
The containers are jam buckets from the same cafe we get all of the coffee grounds from. I cut two holes in the lid just wide enough to hold the yellow net cups. The net cups are filled with clay pebbles which help to support the plant. The buckets are wrapped with aluminium foil and the lids with cardboard to prevent algae building up in the water and using up all the nutrients.

The nutrient solution is just a basic hydroponic nutrient made from two powders (A & B) I got off eBay quite cheaply (£15 for 1kg of each). You make a separate stock solution of both A & B because if you try to mix the powders together in water the calcium will precipitate out. I then add 7.5 ml of each stock solution to 1 L of water. Each bucket takes 5 L of nutrient solution. The water level drops as the plant grows, so I top them up once or twice a week, depending on the weather. You have to make sure not to fill the buckets right to the top because you don't want to drown the 'oxygen roots'. 

We've had almost 300g of basil (leaf, no stem) since the start of June from 6 buckets (12 plants). The buckets are on the window sill I used to use for growing chillies, but indoor peppers don't pollinate very well and the flowers drop off. Basil in the greenhouse often gets mould or just doesn't do very well for me. The chillies are now in the greenhouse instead. It's worked out very well! This winter I'll be trying lettuce in the grow tent.

  kratky basil 1.jpg (Size: 296.72 KB / Downloads: 23)

  kratky basil 2.jpg (Size: 336.6 KB / Downloads: 23)

  kratky basil 4.jpg (Size: 217.98 KB / Downloads: 19) ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1863 Thu, 06 Apr 2023 17:27:52 +0000 Small chilli]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1863

  AEDF5C46-835A-4099-BEC0-322C075F84E4.jpeg (Size: 291.29 KB / Downloads: 23) ]]>

  AEDF5C46-835A-4099-BEC0-322C075F84E4.jpeg (Size: 291.29 KB / Downloads: 23) ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1748 Sun, 13 Nov 2022 22:14:19 +0000 Scarlet]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1748
I have bought myself some trailing rosemary that will drape over the wall...any one have a variety that has long straight/upright stems.


....I may have to take my snips ]]>
I have bought myself some trailing rosemary that will drape over the wall...any one have a variety that has long straight/upright stems.


....I may have to take my snips ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1682 Mon, 05 Sep 2022 13:28:20 +0000 Scarlet]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1682
Has anyone taken cuttings from roots? How successful is it? I would like to make quite a few plants...]]>
Has anyone taken cuttings from roots? How successful is it? I would like to make quite a few plants...]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1679 Sat, 03 Sep 2022 19:33:37 +0000 Scarlet]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1679

I need more foliage for cut flowers...

I have been try to make lots of mint cuttings - I would like more but not got any beds dug yet so maybe that's a good thing, anyway I've been researching further and I believe this oregano may be good for cut flower bunches.

I really think some of the herb smells make a bunch....

So this oregano I'm going to try from seed - anyone else grow it from seed? Obviously I want it now :F so I'm going to try autumn sowing and keeping it in the greenhouse. 

Any others I should try? I really need more foliage/greens]]>

I need more foliage for cut flowers...

I have been try to make lots of mint cuttings - I would like more but not got any beds dug yet so maybe that's a good thing, anyway I've been researching further and I believe this oregano may be good for cut flower bunches.

I really think some of the herb smells make a bunch....

So this oregano I'm going to try from seed - anyone else grow it from seed? Obviously I want it now :F so I'm going to try autumn sowing and keeping it in the greenhouse. 

Any others I should try? I really need more foliage/greens]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1629 Sun, 24 Jul 2022 10:06:59 +0000 Scarlet]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1629 On writing this ... I haven't looked in Jekkas herbs. So off to look!]]> On writing this ... I haven't looked in Jekkas herbs. So off to look!]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1520 Sun, 17 Apr 2022 09:28:34 +0000 Broadway]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1520
I'm pretty sure it's a herb, any ideas please?


  111.jpg (Size: 362.44 KB / Downloads: 34) ]]>
I'm pretty sure it's a herb, any ideas please?


  111.jpg (Size: 362.44 KB / Downloads: 34) ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1503 Sun, 03 Apr 2022 09:46:20 +0000 Scarlet]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1503 One of the best days out I've had in a long time.

We got there for 9.15 ready for opening at 9.30. Walked around and looked at the tunnels/glass houses and raised herb beds. Jekka herself was walking about chatting to everyone and giving info on which ones to choose. She was very helpful in my search for some mint varieties

There was a bee talk held by a lady named Jean Vernon, she had a great knowledge and a love of bees and was an absolute joy to listen too. She could write children's novels! I'm not really into big lectures but  she caught a few bees, while she walked around the plants giving her talk. She gave the tale of the bee life, a few garden bees and interesting facts - which flowers were most beneficial for food this early in the year etc ... did you know hellebores held more nectar than most other flowers at this time of year? She really told a tale. She has a book out, unfortunately I couldn't afford it yesterday but maybe will get it for my birthday.

Then at 11, Jekka gave a talk. Also very casual and she is a fabulous person to listen to - extremely knowledgeable and very approachable whi just wants to talk plants!

The plants were well organised, fabulous quality. A bit pricier than your bog standard herb selections but I think that was to be expected.
She is planning to do a planting scheme to showcase more varieties on the farm and is looking for volunteers - if I was a little younger maybe

I think we left around 12.30. Armed with a few purchases, there was an interesting seed collection. Books, tools and other garden related items in the shop. Her herb book is very good. Looking forward to reading that. Coffee and cake also available.
Well worth a visit.]]> One of the best days out I've had in a long time.

We got there for 9.15 ready for opening at 9.30. Walked around and looked at the tunnels/glass houses and raised herb beds. Jekka herself was walking about chatting to everyone and giving info on which ones to choose. She was very helpful in my search for some mint varieties

There was a bee talk held by a lady named Jean Vernon, she had a great knowledge and a love of bees and was an absolute joy to listen too. She could write children's novels! I'm not really into big lectures but  she caught a few bees, while she walked around the plants giving her talk. She gave the tale of the bee life, a few garden bees and interesting facts - which flowers were most beneficial for food this early in the year etc ... did you know hellebores held more nectar than most other flowers at this time of year? She really told a tale. She has a book out, unfortunately I couldn't afford it yesterday but maybe will get it for my birthday.

Then at 11, Jekka gave a talk. Also very casual and she is a fabulous person to listen to - extremely knowledgeable and very approachable whi just wants to talk plants!

The plants were well organised, fabulous quality. A bit pricier than your bog standard herb selections but I think that was to be expected.
She is planning to do a planting scheme to showcase more varieties on the farm and is looking for volunteers - if I was a little younger maybe

I think we left around 12.30. Armed with a few purchases, there was an interesting seed collection. Books, tools and other garden related items in the shop. Her herb book is very good. Looking forward to reading that. Coffee and cake also available.
Well worth a visit.]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1398 Sun, 09 Jan 2022 19:24:49 +0000 Scarlet]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1398  I'm reading up on mint for cut flowers.

Now I've always got peppermint on the go, I've had the furry leaf one? But that died as the pot got neglected...had a few over the years and it's only peppermint that had survived. 
But I would like to try a couple for cut flowers, maybe just start a new one in a pot on my new patio....
Now chocolate mint didn't live for very long, I've never heard of buddlea mint? Any mints you think will grow a reasonable stem?]]>  I'm reading up on mint for cut flowers.

Now I've always got peppermint on the go, I've had the furry leaf one? But that died as the pot got neglected...had a few over the years and it's only peppermint that had survived. 
But I would like to try a couple for cut flowers, maybe just start a new one in a pot on my new patio....
Now chocolate mint didn't live for very long, I've never heard of buddlea mint? Any mints you think will grow a reasonable stem?]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1269 Wed, 08 Sep 2021 08:39:42 +0000 Broadway]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1269
I need to move the thyme, bay, and rosemary plants to the plot and wondered if people has any advice / experience on...

- When I could/should do this?

- Could I pot them and then plant out later?

- Should I divide or take cuttings?

- Anything else?


  20210908_093229.jpg (Size: 539.97 KB / Downloads: 14) ]]>
I need to move the thyme, bay, and rosemary plants to the plot and wondered if people has any advice / experience on...

- When I could/should do this?

- Could I pot them and then plant out later?

- Should I divide or take cuttings?

- Anything else?


  20210908_093229.jpg (Size: 539.97 KB / Downloads: 14) ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1071 Sat, 08 May 2021 20:08:47 +0000 Vinny]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1071

Anyone tried growing it and any tips?

PS I was unsure which section to post this in? Is it a herb? not sure, that's why I've posted it in General Discussion. By all means move it if you think it warrants moving! ]]>

Anyone tried growing it and any tips?

PS I was unsure which section to post this in? Is it a herb? not sure, that's why I've posted it in General Discussion. By all means move it if you think it warrants moving! ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1055 Thu, 29 Apr 2021 07:54:19 +0000 Vinny]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1055
1) Parsley Italian Giant
2) Basil Sweet Genovese
3) Chives
4) Dill
5 ) Mint Spearmint
6 )Thyme
7) Marjoram Sweet
8) Garlic Chives.

I will try and sow all these today and if successful it should make for a cheap selection of herbs. ]]>
1) Parsley Italian Giant
2) Basil Sweet Genovese
3) Chives
4) Dill
5 ) Mint Spearmint
6 )Thyme
7) Marjoram Sweet
8) Garlic Chives.

I will try and sow all these today and if successful it should make for a cheap selection of herbs. ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1049 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 10:38:17 +0000 Admin]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1049
Been trying for years but anything that germinates soon decides to die. I know French Tarragon seeds aren't viable, but Russian is supposed to be

Any tips?]]>
Been trying for years but anything that germinates soon decides to die. I know French Tarragon seeds aren't viable, but Russian is supposed to be

Any tips?]]>