Herb Garden Plants – Licorice Sweet Root
Gardening December 8th, 2009
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Leguminosae)
Appearance:
These herb garden plants
have splendid dark green foliage with sprays of violet/lilac flowers
. Flowering in summer the plants achieve a height of about 1.5 to 2m. The plant is grown for the roots, which are obtained from established plants from 3 to 4 years old.
History:
Well known in ancient Rome by the name of radix dulcis – sweet root – these herb garden plants spread from the Middle East via Italy throughout Europe. Still widely grown throughout southern Europe as well as the former Soviet Union. The earliest recorded cultivation in England was in the middle of the 16th century and was taken to the New World by settlers during the 17th century.
Licorice was certainly a herb garden plant known to the venerable Mr. Culpeper and was a commercially important crop in his day. Licorice was widely known as ‘Pontrefact Rock’ after the Yorkshire district where it was principally cultivated as a commercial crop.
Usage:
A liquid extract is obtained from the considerable root system of the licorice plant with its large taproots. This extract is widely used in its own right for hacking coughs, colds, catarrh, sore throats and mouth ulcers as well as a sweetener for more unpleasant tasting medicines.
Licorice herb garden plants have been cultivated for use as a mild laxative and an aid to overindulgence for over a millennium. Health shops still sell licorice in root form for its various virtues as well as for tonics.
The plastic-like strings and straps of licorice beloved of the young – and not so young – are made by reducing the root extract through lengthy boiling. Still popular to this day, it was a favorite in root form for children from about the 17th century.
Cultivation:
Separate the roots, ensuring that your cutting has a bud. Plant out about 1m apart and 125 to 150 mm deep in a slightly damp spot with a good sandy loam and good sunshine. Timing can include either spring or autumn, but avoid any periods with the danger of frost. Although no wild plants are known to exist today, remember that these highly prized herb garden plants were initially from regions of strong sunshine so site them accordingly.
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No Comments Plant Trellises Bring Out the Natural Beauty of Your Garden
Gardening December 8th, 2009
Adding a plant trellis to an area that you have plants growing beautifies the natural landscape of the area, regardless if the the space is simply a small patio or a large and expansive yard. A trellis is stylish and functional and plant trellises are available in a wide variety of size, shapes and materials. Which type you use depends on the kind of plants you have growing and the overall style of your garden area.
A trellis can be placed against a wall to add beauty and to provide climbing plants the opportunity to grow naturally and show off their great looks. A flowering vine can sprawl naturally on a patio when a trellis is placed in a large pot. When choosing a planter trellis, be sure to select one that fits properly in the pot and be sure also to provide enough room for the growth of the plant. There are many types of trellises available and they can be made from many types of material such as wrought iron, copper, wood or plastics. You can select a highly decorative and ornate trellis if you want a dramatic look, or if you wish to be a bit more subtle, choose a trellis that is rather simple in design that will highlight your plant’s beauty.
For something a bit different, you may want to consider using a plant wall in your garden area. Hedges may be preferable to fences as a way to define your property and many home landscapers plant all types of hedges to border and define their yards and gardens. If trimmed hedges do not appeal to you, you can make a living wall of plants that are loosely grouped together to provide a structured look.
What type of landscaping you select for your outdoor living space depends on a few pre-existing factors. For example, if your yard is on a slope you may want to consider putting in ground cover instead of grass to minimize maintenance. If you have a large and open porch or entryway, you may wish to make use of container gardens with trellises to allow your plants to grow and expand. You want to be sure to select plants that display a color scheme that is right for your home. Creeping thyme or a bright flowering hibiscus grouping are both pleasing to the eye and provide a sense of depth to a patio or entrance way.
If you wish to find the widest selection, use the internet to locate the perfect plant trellis for you. There are numerous online retailers who specialize in yard and garden accessories.
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No Comments Fireproof house concept
Home Security December 5th, 2009
With many cases of house in fire, we need to get our houses ready for possibilities of fire. It is of course not something happened in purpose, but the house can be planned to minimal the effect of fire that could be happened.
Fire happens, often because of carelessness, because of everyday equipment (like electronic devices), because of non standard devices, also because of bad design or easily burned material. Most fire happens because of short circuit, exploded gas, carelessly thrown cigarettes, etc. A house concept can help prevent fire to become bigger and spread. At least, fire will be blocked by relatively fireproof materials. Read the rest of this entry »
