Herbal Horrors!

A warning to any enthusiastic gardener with a sense of propriety: Beware of herbs. Herbs are not only attractive, aromatic, and often tasty -- they are obsessive!

With ordinary plants, a container or two on the patio may satisfy your creative drive. Not so with herbs. Two pots rapidly become four, four become eight, and these spill over into the landscape. After all, you may justify to yourself, when there are dozens of different species of mint, how can you possibly be expected to stop with common peppermint? Certainly anyone can understand the need to add spearmint and applemint and orange mint and....

They Increase Through Music and Myth

Nor does the herbal obsession stop with growing the plants. Books begin to appear. The history and lore of herbs is the history of mankind. The search for herbs and spices led the Spaniards across the ocean and helped build the Dutch and English Empires. Modern medicine has its roots in ancient herb gardens, and the mythology of Greece and Rome is colorful with the origins of herbs. The subject is so fascinating that it can pervade your every conversation. Have you ever tried to discuss thyme with a two-year-old?

Herbs Will Assault Other Areas

The kitchen is the heart of the herbal stronghold. Once you begin to flavor meats and soups with your own plants, all other cooking becomes bland. Vegetables, breads, drinks, even desserts demand the heightened character brought about by herbs.

Herbs will eventually invade the privacy of your bedroom and bath. Potpourris and pomanders will change the air you breathe, while herbal baths hold you captive. In the most advanced stage of obsession, you may even find yourself scenting your soaps or molding candles with herbal essences.

Gardeners Have Been Known To Go To Any Lengths

If, on the other hand, herb gardeners can only talk or write to the innocent person who doesn't take warnings seriously, they will try to convince them of the value of herbs with many flowery words.

As a matter of fact, I would like to tell you about some of the most beautiful, extraordinary, indescribably lovely plants I happen to know about....