The Herb ‘n Cowgirl

Southern Wax Myrtle Berries

When Europeans landed in North America, they were delighted to discover two new sources for candle wax. In the north it was bayberries (Myrica pensylvanica) that are still used to scent candles at Christmas. In the south it was southern wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera).

I have one of the latter growing in my Texas garden. The berries are tiny – about the size of a peppercorn – and covered with a thin blue-gray wax. That’s what goes into making a candle. It would take a lot of these berries simmered in water to gather enough wax for one candle. I guess our foremothers had more patience than us.

Sooner or later it happens every fall - the weatherman predicts an overnight drop in temperature below freezing. When this is looming get out there and water all your plants, those in soil and those in pots. Damp soil will help to reduce the effects of the cold air. This may seem a bit crazy – doesn’t water turn to ice and isn’t that bad?

Watering before a freeze is a trick I learned many years ago from citrus growers in my California home town. Whenever a hard freeze was predicted, the growers would flood the orchard irrigation ditches. As the air temperature dropped, it cooled the water. As water cools, it releases energy back into the air and slows the overall temperature drop. Thus watering your pots provides a reservoir of heat that will reduce the effects of freezing air.

Many of us keep a few herbs in pots. Sometimes this is just for the convenience. I have chives, oregano, and mint in pots by the kitchen door so I can get a quick snip of seasoning. Another reason to grow herbs in pots is if the plant is not frost hardy and won’t make it through the winter without protection. These are the pots that need to be brought indoors.

Once the daytime highs dip below 60 degrees it’s time to bring your tender herbs indoors. Before bringing them indoors, take a close look for insect of fungal infections. Look under the leaves and in the stem joints where many of these nasties hide. Take appropriate action to correct these problems.

Now move the pots to a sheltered spot out of the way of harsh winter winds. Many people use their garage but you have to make sure the plants get some light. Better to put them in a small greenhouse or a utility porch with a sunny window. Wherever you put them, don’t put them completely out of your mind. Check the soil periodically and water lightly to be sure that it has not dried out completely. Dry soil will kill the roots and the plant. The plants should remain in a dormant state until spring.

Ever since I could garden on my own I’ve had at least one rosebush growing in my plot. I prefer the “old fashioned” roses with lots of petals and lots of fragrance. The so, so soft feel of the rose petals combined with the aroma is a guaranteed stress reducer. Whenever I clip a

The beauty of a rose can be preserved for later enjoyment.

rose and bring it inside I love the look so much I don’t want it to end.

Well, as an herb lover and maker of potpourri, I’ve learned to keep the beauty with me by drying the rose petals. Even if it’s just one or two roses from a florist’s bouquet, it will add up.

Near the end of the rose’s life as a cut specimen I pull off the petals and dry them on a flat surface. After about a week they can be stored in an airtight jar. I use an old tobacco jar that belonged to my great-grandfather. The next time I want to make a fragrant herb mixture I’ll have my own mix of rose petals.

Sometimes I come across a wild idea for a garden planter. This one uses a filing cabinet. That’s right, one of those metal office furniture things. Eventually they get old and scratched. Spray with some Rustoleum, put it on its side, add dirt and you’re done.

BaldManModPad: Filing Planter Returns!.