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aka Basil

A highly ornamental form of Sweet Basil which adds colour to summer salads. Lush purple foliage with full of flavour and fragrance. Plant in a sunny well drained spot and protect from frost. Pinch back to a new growth point as you harvest the leaves to encourage re-growth. Annual.

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Mrs Burns' Lemon Basil is a legendary heirloom, nothing short of an idol among fine chefs and gardeners alike. With the strongest aroma and flavour of all the lemon basils, the scent is powerful, resinous, and oily, followed by spicy cinnamon, with a strong floral note. It has a concentrated lemon oil taste, with mild spice and mint.

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Spicy Globe Basil is a delightful garden plant because of its very round, compact shape and tiny, flavourful leaves, roughly half the size of sweet basil. The hearty flavour makes it a good candidate for spicier Thai and Italian dishes, in sparing amounts.

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aka Sweet Basil

Where would summer be without Basil to add fragrance and flavour to a multitude of dishes? Large shiny green leaves that taste great fresh - wonderful for Pesto. Leaves can be frozen for future use if you have an over-production. Loves the sun and good drainage. Protect from frost. Annual.

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Thai basil is sturdy and compact, has shiny green, slightly serrated, narrow leaves with a sweet, anise-like scent and hints of licorice, along with a slight spiciness lacking in sweet basil. Thai basil has a purple stem, and like other plants in the mint family, the stem is square. Perennial

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aka Lemon bee balm

The flowers are very pretty in white or pink with purple dots, growing in typical Bergamot fashion. Young leaves can be used in tea or for any gourmet dish, especially fish, where a strong lemon flavour would add interest. An attractive plant that will attract the attention of bees, as well as people, in any herb garden.

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A useful and attractive perennial with grey/green foliage and pretty sprays of mauve flowers that appear from spring right through to autumn. Useful as an edging for flower beds. Loves a sunny position and a good haircut every now and then. Hardy, evergreen easy to grow if you can keep your cats off it long enough!

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aka Camomile

Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs in the Western world.Chamomile has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, used to calm frayed nerves, to treat stomach problems, to relieve muscle spasms, and to treat skin conditions and mild infections.

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Traditional ground cover with bright green feathery foliage and erect stems of small, daisy-like flowers. Charmingly scented and magic to walk on. Chamomile Lawn thrive in full sun, but will tolerate dappled shade.

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This variety of Chives is a vigorous grower with good disease resistance. Nice broad leaves that can be chopped up to add to summer salads etc. Will form a good clump in the vege patch or can be grown in a pot. Prefers the sun and good drainage. Perennial.

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aka Garlic Chives

Flat leaves with a mild garlic flavour make these versatile Chives a useful Herb for a variety of dishes. A good substitute for those who find bulb garlic too strong. Plant in a sunny well drained spot. Perennial.

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Comfrey should be termed as a 'super-plant' it can be used as a medicinal herb, tea, vegetable, animal feed and green manure. Tall and wide spreading, it reaches a height of 60 to 90cm. With large, coarse leaves and flowers which are blue or creamy white grow in spikes and bloom all summer. It is easy to grow. Perennial.

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Highly aromatic Herb that is popular for adding a pungent flavour to Chinese, Thai and Mexican cuisine. This variety is very slow to bolt ( hence the name) and can be grown in a pot or the garden. Likes the sun and fertile soil to do well. Annual.

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This culinary herb is particularly popular for adding flavour to fish dishes and pickles. Both the foliage and seeds can be used. The foliage has a mild aniseed flavour. Grow in a sunny spot with nice humus rich soil. Annual.

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aka Fennel

A gourmet bulb Fennel with big white bulbs that are not too fibrous and have a delicious, mild, aniseed flavour. The bulb can be eaten raw or cooked and the foliage can be finely chopped and used as a garnish. Likes the sun and fertile, well drained soil. Perennial.

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Lemon balm loses much of its flavor when dried, so it is a seasonal delight to be enjoyed while the weather is mild and the plant is green. However, enough of the fragrance remains when this herb is dried to make it a delightful addition to potpourri.

Like many other herbs, lemon balm can lose its flavor in cooking, so add it near the end of the cooking process. The fresh lemon fragrance and flavor go nicely with both chicken and fish dishes, as well as fruit and fruit juice drinks. Create your own herbal tea by cutting a few stems of lemon balm (plus any other appealing herbs), putting them in a pitcher, pour boiling water over them, and allow them to steep for about 15 minutes. Enjoy your tea hot or over ice.

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aka Citronella grass

Fragrant swaying grass that will add texture and movement as well as contrast among more compact plants. Used in cooking and for making tea. Ideal container plant or in a border or garden bed.

The oil is antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral. Also used as an antidepressant, to soothe aches and pains, to relieve stress. If drunk before bed will induce sleep. Effective for headaches and respiratory problems. Pour boiling water over sliced leaves and steep for 5 minutes for Lemongrass tea. Sweeten as desired. Can be dried for tea, potpourri or cooking.

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aka Lovage

This is a tall addition to the garden and often placed at the back of the border. It is a good idea to start a new plant every few years. Lovage prefers a rich soil that retains moisture well. It likes full sun in cool climates or partial shade where summers are very hot.

Leaves and stems used as a savoury flavouring in salads, soups, stews etc, imparting a yeasty/celery flavour.

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aka Knotted marjoram

Sweet marjoram is widely used as a flavouring for salad dressings, vegetables, legumes and oils. The flavour resembles a blend of thyme, rosemary and sage.

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aka Mint Common

There are several forms of Garden Mint, the true variety being of bold, upright growth, with fairly large and broad leaves, pointed and sharply serrated (or toothed) at the edges and of a rich, bright, green colour. Cut back in Autumn for new winter growth.

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Best grown in rich, moist soils in full sun to part shade. Adapts to a wide range of soils except dry ones. Large plantings may be sheared after bloom to remove flower spikes and stimulate new vegetative growth. Soil barriers may be used to restrain spread if plants are grown in borders or other areas where spread is unwanted.

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Mentha arvensis is a species of mint with a circumboreal distribution. It is native to the temperate regions of Europe and western and central Asia, east to the Himalaya and eastern Siberia, and North America.

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aka Oregano Common

Herb. A highly ornamental and delicious herb that is an essential ingredient in Italian style cuisine. A must have on top of Pizza. Mainly used dry. Plant in a sunny well drained spot and give it a good haircut every now and then. Perennial.

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True Greek oregano is the superior, true culinary type of oregano prized by Italian and Greek chefs. It is highly aromatic and flavorful, combining superbly with fresh tomatoes or tomato sauces, egg and cheese combinations such as omelets and quiche, marinated vegetables, meat, fish and poultry.

Grows well in a container.

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Is a leaf celery with finely cut parsley looking leaves. A celery-scented herb rich in vitamins and minerals. . Dark green stalks and finely curled leaves have a distinct celery flavour and can be used for flavouring meals or garnishing dishes.

Wild celery has been used for asthmatic and bronchial conditions as well as rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been used as a sedative and to assist with some kidney problems

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aka Italian Parsley

I can't do without this wonderful Parsley in my vege patch. Large flat leaves that are full of flavour and highly decorative. A lovely garnish and great in a variety of soups, casseroles etc. Plant in sun or part shade in well drained soil. Fertilize every now and then and harvest regularly. Evergreen.

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aka Parsley

Ever popular Parsley is probably the most widely used Herb world wide. Full of iron and excellent for eating fresh or dried. Goes with just about everything. Plant in sun or part shade in well drained soil. Give it a little bit of fertilizer every now and then and harvest regularly. Evergreen.

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aka Passionfruit

The Passionfruit vine has attractive mauve and white flowers that turn into yummy round dark purple fruit at the end of summer. To do well your vine must be in a sunny, sheltered, well-drained position. Though self-fertile will often do better when 2 are planted together. Evergreen.

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aka Pomegranate

The Pomegranate is a beautiful and highly ornamental shrub and a producer of highly decorative and nutritious fruit. Large showy orange-red flowers over a long period from late spring through summer. They are very sweet and virtually seedless. Deciduous.

Popular in Spanish and Middle Eastern Cusine the Pomegranate has also been seen as a symbol of fertility through-out the ages mainly because of the high seed count in the fruit. Easy to grow in a sunny well drained spot with protection from harsh frost. The fruit is high in Vitamin C, B5, Potassium and anti-oxidants.

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aka Pomegranate

New season growth is glossy, green with red tipped foliage and in Spring bright scarlet red flowers. The fruit is yellow/red with a pink,juicy pulp. high in Vitamin C, B5, Potassium and anti-oxidants. Delicious in drinks, jellies, salads and sauces.Thrives in hot dry Summers. Self-fertile.

This stunning ornamental plant originating from the Middle East and Asia and has had a long association with humans. For more than 2000 years. It has been widely recorded throughout history and only the fig is mentioned as much in mythical and biblical writings.

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aka Pomegranate

A beautiful and highly ornamental shrub that producers highly decorative and nutritious pomegranates. New growth is bronze -green, in summer there are bright orange flowers which develop into large, burnished red fruits. The fruit is high in Vitamin C, B5, Potassium and anti-oxidants.

Popular in Spanish and Middle Eastern Cusine the Pomegranate has also been seen as a symbol of fertility through-out the ages mainly because of the high seed count in the fruit. Easy to grow in a sunny well drained spot with protection from harsh frost.

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aka Rhubarb

A vigorous Heritage Rhubarb with healthy, strong upright growth. The stems are broad with quite a bit of green shading on the red stalks. Good flavour and produces well. Plant in humus rich soil that does not completely dry out in summer and feed regularly with organic matter. Perennial.

Wairere Top Tip. Try cooking Rhubarb with 1 sliced apple - it balances out the acid flavour nicely.

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aka Rosemary

A fabulous new version of an old favourite. An upright Rosemary that grows into a pillar or column. Softest blue, large flowers appear from April through to October with the main flowering in September. Loves a well drained sunny position. Clips well. Evergreen.

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aka Rosemary

Prostrate groundcover with light blue flowers and aromatic foliage. Ideal for hot, dry areas. Very hardy and fast growing. Excellent for banks and rockeries.

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aka Sage

The downy grey-green leaves of this perennial Herb are widely used to add flavour to poultry and pork dishes. Use fresh leaves sparingly as they have quite a strong flavour. Plant in a sunny well drained spot in light sandy soil for best results. Evergreen.

Sage has been used historically for many medicinal purposes.

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Purple Sage is a lovely addition to any landscape, kitchen garden or combination herb planter. Sage requires well drained soil, is drought tolerant. Sage can be used fresh or dried as a culinary flavouring.

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Perennial which has a tarragon scent with undertones of anise. Prefers well drained soil in full sun. Golden yellow flowers in flat clusters

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aka Golden Thyme

Highly aromatic small yellow leaves that can be used to flavour meat or vegetable dishes. Dainty white to mauve flowers appear in summer and should be removed after flowering. Hardy and easy to grow in a sunny well drained spot. Evergreen.

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A seasoning for poultry,pizza,shellfish,beef or game. Culinary aromatic herb so useful in cooking . Also very attractive to grow in the perennial garden bearing flowers all over. Great ground-cover Grow in full sun and free draining soil. Perennial

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aka Carpet or Creeping Thyme

This is the perfect Thyme to use as a tough aromatic ground-cover. Little dark green leaves and tiny crimson pink flowers in summer. Hardy and easy to grow. Benefits from a light trim every now and then. Evergreen.

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aka Creeping Thyme

This delightful and dainty little Thyme is perfect for use as a ground-cover in a warm sunny well drained position or just enjoy some in a pot. The little bright green leaves are smothered by dainty white flowers in summer. Forms a neat and tidy mat. Evergreen.

Can be used for culinary purposes if desired. Trim lightly after flowering to keep compact and avoid over fertilizing as generally Thyme are best left to their own devices.

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aka Lemon Thyme

Lemon Thyme is is known to be especially mouth-watering with poultry and in salads. An herb whose scent is regularly described as astonishing, it is super delicious when added to herb butters and herbed bread. IHoneybees love the flowers of the thyme plant! Perennial

Thymus Lemon's slow mounding habit is beautiful in the landscape as a border or edging plant.

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aka Lemon Variegated Thyme

The small cream-edged green leaves of this lovely thyme will release a burst of citrus scent each time they are brushed against, while the clusters of pink flowers will add even more colour in summer.

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aka Pizza Thyme

My favourite Thyme for cooking as it has a superb flavour and aroma that carries a hint of Oregano. Lovely dark green leaves. Fabulous in meat and tomato dishes and of course Pizza. Happy in sunny well drained position in the garden or a container. Evergreen.

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aka Thyme

Herb. Want a super dramatic groundcover? Ruby carpet will cover itself in gorgeous pink flowers throughout spring. Excellent bee attractant for the vege garden and an excellent culinary herb as well. Aromatic foliage. Happy in a sunny well drained position in the garden or container. Evergreen.

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aka Silver Thyme

Thyme Silver has the same uses as Thyme Common: it's a great accompaniment for soup, marinades, stuffings and veges and is also delicious with beef, chicken, fish, veal, cheese and tomato sauces.

Placed in a pillow, Thyme was said to induce sleep and ward off nightmares.

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aka Common Thyme

Common Thyme. The most popular culinary thyme with highly aromatic small green leaves that can be used to flavour meat or vegetable dishes. Dainty white to mauve flowers appear in summer and should be removed after flowering. Hardy and easy to grow in a sunny well drained spot. Evergreen.

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Valerian,was used to treat insomnia, migraine, fatigue, and stomach cramps. Today, valerian is promoted for insomnia, anxiety, depression, premenstrual syndrome, menopause symptoms, and headaches.It is considered to be both safe and gentle. Preference is full sun to shade.