My mint is growing gangbusters! So are the parsley and lemon balm which I harvested today. With the mint, I just uprooted a bunch of from the lighter green spearmint patch, as well as the two smaller plants of peppermint with the tighter, darker, and diminutive leaves. So I had to put both my hands to work today.
Before I could bundle the herbs, first I had to clean and separate the branches. To do that I needed a colander, and to wash the herbs, a deep pan of water. I had pulled up the prolific mint by the roots with the intent of stopping the eventual take over of the garden.
I could not say the same about the medium growing lemon balm. Though it has some of the same qualities as mint. Its tangy, zesty flavor is reminiscent of a tangerine. The meaty leaves of the lemon balm are very fragrant. The plant is probably the same size as the parsley and 3/4th smaller than the mint.
I began my gardening adventure by getting my balance figured out, and then I ventured forth, on shaky leg, and reached down for a right-handful of mint. The mint is relentless in its pursuit of garden real estate, so I have no qualms ripping it up by the roots. When I began to sculpt my efforts, I followed the timber that separates the garden from the walkway, and I cleared a 6 inch path.
The fun part was in the kitchen where I snipped off the dirty little roots using the scissors in my right hand. Thinking about it now, I should have done that part outside where it would be easier to clean up the muddy mess. Anyhow, in the end I washed, separated, and made bundles – one for the lemon balm, 3 for the mint, making a conscious effort to use my right arm and hand where I could. I put the parsley in the refrigerator in a gallon size Ziploc along with the arugula for immediate use.
These activities underscore the readiness of the good hand to help out, whether it be left or right. It needs to be in a position to help--either holding a pair of scissors or winding string around herbs and hanging them to dry. The examples are endless. I invite my viewers to send me a story from personal experience about a forced-use situation in the garden.
Before I could bundle the herbs, first I had to clean and separate the branches. To do that I needed a colander, and to wash the herbs, a deep pan of water. I had pulled up the prolific mint by the roots with the intent of stopping the eventual take over of the garden.
I could not say the same about the medium growing lemon balm. Though it has some of the same qualities as mint. Its tangy, zesty flavor is reminiscent of a tangerine. The meaty leaves of the lemon balm are very fragrant. The plant is probably the same size as the parsley and 3/4th smaller than the mint.
I began my gardening adventure by getting my balance figured out, and then I ventured forth, on shaky leg, and reached down for a right-handful of mint. The mint is relentless in its pursuit of garden real estate, so I have no qualms ripping it up by the roots. When I began to sculpt my efforts, I followed the timber that separates the garden from the walkway, and I cleared a 6 inch path.
The fun part was in the kitchen where I snipped off the dirty little roots using the scissors in my right hand. Thinking about it now, I should have done that part outside where it would be easier to clean up the muddy mess. Anyhow, in the end I washed, separated, and made bundles – one for the lemon balm, 3 for the mint, making a conscious effort to use my right arm and hand where I could. I put the parsley in the refrigerator in a gallon size Ziploc along with the arugula for immediate use.
These activities underscore the readiness of the good hand to help out, whether it be left or right. It needs to be in a position to help--either holding a pair of scissors or winding string around herbs and hanging them to dry. The examples are endless. I invite my viewers to send me a story from personal experience about a forced-use situation in the garden.
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