An Italian Herb Garden
Elsewhere in these pages I wrote about an Italian herb garden and its primary residents of garlic, oregano, basil, parsley and rosemary. I have now learned that the article was only partly correct and that sometimes no amount of book learning prepares you for the real thing. Read on.
Recently I sat down to some mid-morning espresso with 2 couples, both Italian and all 4 from different regions in Italy. Considering myself somewhat of an aficionado on a typical Italian herb garden, I broached the subject in conversation. Well, if you are Italian you will know what I mean when I say that suddenly I was faced with four separate conversations all going staccato and fortissimo.
Special and vociferous mention was given by various parties to sage, thyme, bay, chervil and even horseradish (Leaves and roots) as being essentials in an Italian herb garden. Many more contenders entered the fray but fell in the heat of battle. Some small concessions are suspected but not admitted for this passage of arms. Both tactics and strategy waxed and waned throughout the skirmish.
The most amazing thing was that they all agreed that the basic five above were all essential staples; amazing because from there the opinions varied and got louder until I called a truce.
Married for 38 and 35 years respectively, I thought the day of their marriages being ripped asunder was at hand. Not a chance; as it turned out they were just having some fun.
When things spun down back to normal, the previous status quo was soon resumed and another - and less important - topic was being calmly pursued, I realized that something that I always knew had been reinforced:
By heck, I love these people. They are both down to earth and earthy. They bring with them the tastes, sounds and smells of Italy to any group, which immediately benefits through these wonderful influences and nuances. Italian cuisine and the traditional Italian herb garden is safe in these hands. Viva Italia!
And take my word for it - don't ever try to tell an Italian what he or she should be growing in their Italian herb garden!
Pete Steel has grown herbs for 25 years in several different climates and soils. He reviews herb growing books and offers a free herb gardening startup course on herb garden plants and herb usage. Herb lovers subscribing to the weekly blogcast get some very unusual free bonuses.
Other than that animals are life essentials and fishing is wonderful. The sea is the only environment that counts next to a garden plot.Learn more about an Italian herb garden here.
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