Can You Digg It?

Common name: Chives

Latin name: Allium schoenoprasum, A. tuberosu,

Characteristics:

• perennial herbs
• 12 inch tall grass-like, hollow, tubular, green leaves, tapering to a point on top
• flowers in summer are pinkish to pale purple

Conditions

• hardy plants that grow best in full sun

Harvesting

• Cut: Ready when reaches 6 inches. Do not snip off just the tips, cut as close to the base as possible. Harvest regularly to keep it growing.
• Store: They do not store well. They can be frozen up to 6 months though. 

Tip

• Makes a good companion plant. Helpful to keep bugs off tomatoes.

Bunny Tip:

• Although great for cooking, best not to give to a rabbit 

Common name: Oregano

Scientific name:

• Origanum vulgare, used for oil
• Origanum majoram, used for cooking

Characteristics:

• A low growing, perennial herb that belongs to the mint family
• Commonly confused with marjoram (also from mint family) which has thinner leaves and grow differently 
• There are three varieties of O. vulgare : Common/wild oregano, Goldern oregano and Greek/white oregano

Conditions:

• Needs full sun or partial shade
• well drained, not too rich garden soil

Harvest:

• Best to pick leaves in mid-morning when aroma and oil are strongest. Although dried leaves are full of more flavor than fresh.
• Cut whole stems before flowering and hang them up to dry in a cool, shady spot
• Strip dry leaves from stem and store in air tight container
• Can wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 6 months

Tips:

• Replace plants every couple of years as the stems become woody

Bunny tips: 

• high in antioxidants 
• antimicrobial properties  
• oregano oil used with eden salve can help treat weepy eyes. P

common name: mint

scientific name: mentha  

characteristics:

• many varieties of mint, but all are perennials and have square stems 
• typically upright, with light to dark green or mottled leaves that have toothed edges

conditions:

• prefers a semi-shaded position, but will grow in full sun if the soil is kept moist

harvest:

• For a tenderer and tastier leaf, pick the younger leaves near end of runner
• Leaves can be fried by placing on rack in airy, cool place. When dry, crumble leaves and store in airtight containers
• Chop fresh leaves and freeze in small packages or ice cubes

tip:

• Unless you have a large space for mint to sprawl into, best to keep this invasive plant in a tub

bunny tip:

• very rich in vitamins: potassium, vit B6, calcium
• helpful for curing diarrhea by firming loose stool and aids in stomach problems 
• decreases milk flow in does, and helps with inflamed breasts (mastitis) 

Common name: Lavender

Scientific name: Lavandula

Characteristics:

• perennial
• heights differ but all grow into evergreen, bushy shrubs with woody stems and hairy, silvery to gray-green, fragrant leaves. Long spikes of fragrant deep purple to pinkish flowers

Conditions:

• perfers full sun, does not require a great deal of water

Harvest:

• Dry: by hanging in bunches in a dry, airy, hot place
• storage: store dried leaves and flowers in air tight jars
• not suitable for freezing

Bunny Tip:

• A diuretic, helps induce labor in a birthing doe
• Good for stressed rabbits 

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