Can You Digg It?

Common name: Parsley

Scientific name: Petroselinum

Characteristics:

• perennial
• 12 in stems bearing divided, feather-like, small leaves
• leaves can be flattish (pictured) or curly depending on variety

Conditions:

• Prefers full sun or possibly part shade
• keep soil moist, do not let it dry out in dry weather

Harvest

• Pick from the center of the stem
• broad-leaved Italian parsley dries best
• Curly parsley freezes well, up to 6 months

Tips

• Chances are you will get a Parsley Worm, it will turn into a Black Swallowtail Butterfly

Bunny Tip:

• High in vitamins K, C, and A. Since it is rich in antioxidants, it is helpful when combating urinary or respiratory problems. 

Common name: Chamomile

Scientific name: Chamaemelum nobile, syn. anthemis nobilis

Characteristics:

• perennial herb
• two forms, Roman and German
• feathery foliage and flower
• daisy-like blossoms are white with a yellow center
• attractive apple-like fragrance and flavor

Conditions:

• Prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade
• do not let soil dry out

Harvest:

• Pick flowers just as the petals start to turn backwards from the central yellow disk
• Dry flowers onto paper that has been placed on racks in a cool, airy space. Then store them in airtight jars
• Can be frozen for up to 6 months

Bunny Tips:

• Helps with teething difficulties
• Anti-inflammatory that eases constipation 
• Avoid during pregnancy
• has a soothing effect, calms nerves

Common name: Sage

(Pictured is Pineapple Sage, good for dessert and drinks)

Scientific name: Salvia 

Characteristics:

• Perennial 
• small, woody shrub with long, oval leaves that have velvety texture
• there are many varieties 

Conditions:

• Sunny, sheltered position 
• give deep soaking once a week

Harvest:

• For drying purposes, harvest before flowering begins
• dry leaves on racks in a cook, airy place and then store in airtight jars
• leaves can be chopped, packed in plastic wrap and then frozen up to 6 months

Tip:

• another great companion plant that will keep pests away, but will attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies  
• needs to be replaced every four years or so as the plant becomes woody

Bunny Tip:

• Rich in vitamin A and C; natural antioxidant which can help boost immune systems and essential for vision.
• antiseptic and inhibits inflammation
• when dried, create powder and sprinkle to repel fleas
• SHOULD NOT be given during pregnancy or for an epileptic 
• after pregnancy can help a doe dry up