Happy Herb Garden

I peek into the sun-baked gloves, hoping a spider hasn't turned one of the fingers into an apartment, shake them out, and put them on. Crusty as they are, I am ready. Basil, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and parsley are the herbs of choice this season. I know rosemary well, here in California it grows in the parking lots of grocery stores, the side of high traffic roads, and in pretty much all front yards, but I love it anyway. It's resilient, which is good for someone who remembers to water the plants about twice a week. I find a proud red pot a friend had made a "dirt cake" in years ago to plant it. Something about digging a small hole, plopping the plant in, and watering it for the first time makes me feel accomplished. I stand back and soak in the success of the rosemary now living in the bright little pot perched on the patio table. One small addition of a plant and some color makes the furniture sing, "dine al fresco, dine!"

Next, it's on to the cilantro and parsley. Last year I killed both of these herbs before I could eat a single leaf. Granted I was trying them from seed. This year I'm erring on the side of safety and success, and starting with a plant. The stems and leaves are fragile, I'm cautious not to force them into the pot, I dig the hole deeper. I snuggle them in and their long dainty stems fit nicely side by side.

Now for the final two: basil, my favorite herb of them all, and thyme will be fast friends as they neighbor in a medium sized pot. Granted, I am no gardener and have no clue as to whether any of my pairings make sense or help the plants in any way, but that's how the cow eats the cabbage in this garden. Just the smell of basil alone brightens my mood. Suddenly visions of balsamic soaked tomatoes, salty prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella dance through my mind. Summer is on it's way and with a garden full of fresh herbs to delight myself and my guests, it is sure to be a happy one.

Happy Gardening My Friends!