Grand Oak Herb Farm

Monthly Newsletter: Vol 03-01

January 2012

What is Happening:

We are currently closed for the Winter months, and will re-open on for normal business hours on April 3, 2012.
If you’d like stop by the Farm during our winter-hiatus, please ahead call for an appointment and we will be happy to accommodate you.

During the winter, I spend plenty of time in the greenhouse preparing plants for our gardening customers.
If you are looking for a special plant, or would like to place an order for this coming spring, then give us a call and we will see what we can do for you.

Our Blended Teas have been immensely popular since their launching this year. For our tea blends, we specially incorporate whole leaf green tea with a mixture of herbs, spices and fruits to make teas that are pleasure to drink, and beneficial for your health and well-being. We are continuing to ship tea blends during our winter break, so place your order today! For additional information, visit our website at www.grandoakherbfarm.com and click on Beulah’s Garden.

This season, I have been blessed with the assistance of Peggy Blackburn, and given her promise of being back in 2012. She embraces a sustainable method of gardening, as I do, and has become a true asset.

ROYAL TEA AND TOUR

For small groups, of 4 or more, we are offering a private ‘Royal Tea’ and tour of the farm. Tea, scones, Devonshire cream, and tea sandwiches will be served, followed by a tour of the grounds at a cost of $7.50 per person (payable in advance). Tea and Tour days are every Monday and Thursday during our normal operating season. Be sure to book in advance.

Favorite Herb of the Month.

It is hard for me to select a specific lemon herb that I’d call my favorite. I love lemon verbena, lemon thyme, lemon basil, lemon balm, lemon grass, lemon savory, and even lemon gem marigolds. But my two favorites would have to be Lemon Verbena and Lemon Thyme, and both of these varieties should be on every herb gardener’s (and culinary devotee’s) must-grow list.

Lemon Verbena is used in making perfume and toiletries, as well as flavoring for baking, teas, jelly and preserves. Tea made of Lemon Verbena has been used to soothe colon and stomach spasms, lower fevers, and calm nerves. The plant is a tender perennial here, but is easy to move into a warmer location during the winter. Don’t worry if it goes dormant during the winter, even while inside, as this is normal and natural.

Lemon Thyme has that wonderful thyme flavor and scent, but with the added bonus of lemon. Adding it to a marinade for fish or chicken makes a simply delicious dish. This is a hardy perennial that’s easily grown in dry and poor soils, and adapts very well to container growing. Place a pot on a sunny windowsill, and you’ll have fresh flavor right at your fingertips.