SPRING FORTH WITH A GARDEN OF HERBS

Versatile plants provide kitchen staples, health-and-beauty aids and more

Ah, spring has arrived and what a wonderful time to be in the garden, especially if you grow herbs, many of which thrive in our Mediterranean climate. Gardeners grow herbs to add to foods to make them taste better, but they do so much more. The herbs growing in my garden can repel insects, nurture my skin, be used to make lovely wreaths, improve health and more.

Thyme

Thyme (Thymus spp.) is a drought-tolerant Mediterranean herb that adds flavor to many dishes. In fact, the Germans have a saying, “When in doubt, use thyme.” Thyme is also the first remedy Germans use when they get an upper respiratory infection: It is added to a tea along with ginger, lemon and honey and often works as well as an antibiotic. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a waterwise ground cover, consider charming woolly thyme, which is covered with pink flowers in the spring.

Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) gives chicken, fish and potatoes and even shortbread a lovely flavor, but it does much more: It can boost one’s mood and reduce anxiety and is