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WONDERFUL WORLD OF HERBS!
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Updated Summer, 2007
Have a question about growing or using herbs, how aromatherapy works, etc.? Please don't hesitate to ask! And tell us what you think about our web site, our products, our company, etc. We welcome all of your comments and suggestions. If you would like more information about any of our products, just email us at info@dabneyherbs.com
About Dabney Herbs........
Since 1986, Dabney Herbs has been making available the finest herbs and native mid-western plants, essential oils, books and related gardening products as well as helping to solve gardening problems.
Davy Dabney, owner of Dabney Herbs, has been growing, using and studying the many uses of herbs since 1961. She teaches classes and workshops and is a founding member of the International Herb Association, Kentucky Herb Association, and the Kyana Unit of the Herb Society of America.
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The Dabney Herbs Catalog
& Reference GuideIf you would like to receive our new catalog offering Unusual Herbs, Plants, Ginseng, Essential Oils, Aromatherapy supplies, etc., send $2.00 with your name and mailing address to:
Dabney Herbs
P.O. Box 22061
Louisville, KY 40252
You can also use this address to order items found on this site or by calling 502-893-5198. VISA, MasterCard & Discover accepted.
WATER - COOL CLEAR WATER
Lots of folks like to cool off after a workout or gardening with a ‘cold one’-an innocent reward? Maybe not! Alcohol has a strong reaction on the anti-diuretic hormone, ADH, which helps the body conserve fluids. Lack of ADH can contribute to dehydration.
When you put your body through heavy muscular exertion in hot conditions, blood is forced to carry more oxygen to your muscles as well as to your skin. The more heat in the air, the harder your heart must work. If sweat loss is substantial, water is removed from the blood. It needs to replaced by more water, or heatstroke is likely. Chronic dehydration can also cause imbalance of electrolytes, leading to muscle cramps. Save the beer and wine for later.
HOW MULCH IS TOO MULCH?
Wood chips, cypress and pine bark, leaves, grass clippings, peanut or coco hulls all come to mind when thinking about mulching. All of these do help retain moisture, but in rainy areas or if you have poorly drained soil, they can cause more trouble than they are worth! Mulches that keep in the moisture can cause root rot and encourage fungus. Damp places under mulches also provide a good home for bugs and slugs.
If you have poor drainage, consider using sand, gravel, crushed rock or marble chips. No matter which kind of mulch you choose, keep it at least 2" away from the plant stems. All mulch eventually disappears, so if you aren't happy with your choice, you can try something else next time. The only time to use plastic sheets is if you wish to kill whatever is underneath.
QUICK BRUNCH OR SUPPER
Asparagus is at it's best now so be sure to enjoy it. One easy and tasty way is Crustless Ham & Asparagus Quiche.
Crustless Ham & Asparagus Quiche
serves 8-10
2 lbs fresh asparagus, washed and cut into 2" pieces.
Put 1/2 " water into a pan, bring to boil, drop in asparagus, cover and cook 2 minutes,
drain and lay evenly over bottom of 2 greased 9" pie pans.
Cube 3/4 lb baked ham and layer over the asparagus.
In a large mixing bowl, blend together 1 cup all purpose flour,
3 tablespoons cooking oil, 1 teaspoon baking powder,
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 6 eggs, 1 1/4 cups milk.
Add 1/2 cup chopped onion if desired. Pour 1/2 mixture into each pan.
Bake at 375 for 35 minutes or till knife inserted in center comes out clean.
SPRING CLEANING THAT LASTS ALL SUMMER
Before putting away your winter clothes, wash or dry clean everything. Make bug repellent bags containing southernwood, cedar, patchouli, tansy, rosemary, pennyroyal, lemongrass and other mints. Place one or more in boxes and closets. Before putting your summer duds into the drawers, vacuum the drawers and add the following spray:
In a glass measuring cup, pour in
1-ounce isopropyl alcohol,
3 ounces of distilled water,
1-ounce camphor,
1/2-ounce lavender,
1/4-ounce sandalwood,
1/2 ounce pine,
balsam or spruce essential oil.
Pour into a spray bottle, shake and spray inside drawer.
(Be sure not to spray on finished wood-the spray may remove the finish). When dry, put in summer clothes- they'll smell sweet when you need to grab them out on that first hot day!
To tame smelly shoes:
Mix 3 cups clean clay kitty litter with 1/2 cup baking soda,
1/2 cup chopped calamus root,
1 teaspoon lemon essential oil,
1 teaspoon lavender oil,
1 teaspoon tea tree (kills fungus).
Stir to mix and put into a clean glass jar. Cover and shake every day for a week.
Then put 3 tablespoons of mix into old socks or small muslin bags. Keep them in shoes you’re not wearing.
If you are troubled with mold and mildew in closets, keep a small light bulb burning, making sure it doesn't touch anything. A small fan to stir the air will help also.
HAVE YOUR HERBS AND FLOWERS TOO!
While many herbs are grown for the flavor they add to food, herbs can also add beauty to the landscape with their flowers. Most herbs are easy to grow and will do well in less than ideal conditions. For the best taste, herbs shouldn’t flower if you plan on using them for seasoning. I like to plant some extra herbs just for their beauty in the landscape. Most don’t take up much room, so are ideal for small areas. Roses and lavenders will come to mind immediately. Sages-clary, pineapple-even garden sage, hyssop, mallows, sweet cicely, dill, fennel, scented geraniums, mints, borage, oregano, salad burnet, catnip, chives, garlic chives, cornflowers, feverfew, chamomile and monarda can all do double duty. Chamomile, also known as the plant’s physician, can be planted among your other herbs and vegetables. It will encourage healthy growth.
After you’ve been digging and planting, give your nails a treat. Fill a basin with warm water and a squirt of liquid soap. Soak hands for several minutes, and then use a nail brush to clean away the last bits of dirt. Rinse with tepid water, dry well and massage the following oil around and under your nails. Let it soak in, and apply your favorite lotion generously to your hands.
Cuticle and Nail Massage Oil
2 teaspoons grapeseed or other base oil
3 drops geranium essential oil
2 drops patchouli essential oil
1 drop frankincense oil
If you have a nail fungus, or use artificial nails frequently, add 2 drops tea tree oil.
Shake and store in a small bottle.
Always label everything you make!
Questions and comments
Hi! I have recently started gardening, but I’m confused about where to put plants marked “part shade”. Please help!
- Barbara S.
Where to plant it?
Light shade means less than four hours of shade that is dappled or filtered. It usually occurs under trees with a high canopy. Plants that thrive in lots of sun can grow here, but plants that like deep shade won’t do well.
Partial shade: More than four hours of shade under trees with medium foliage, or shade cast by walls and buildings. Check for light reflected from the walls.
Full shade: No sun at all-north walls of buildings or under dense tree canopy. Early blooming spring wild flowers and foliage plants grow in these areas. Be sure to check if the plants like dry or moist conditions.
Wet or dry shade: Dry shade may occur under trees, so most plants will need lots of water in spring, summer and fall.
For a list of plants and their requirements see www.Chicago-botanic.org.
Hello DH Catalog! I like to use edible flowers and herbs to liven up my company fare. Do you know where I could get true information about which flowers are really safe to eat?
Thanks! “Cookin’ Queen”
Hello CQ,
I have recently updated my List of Edible Flowers and Plants.
Send a #10 SASE and $1.00 to Dabney Herbs Box 22061 Louisville, KY 40252 for a copy.
Flowers really do make foods more attractive!
Send your questions or comments to info@dabneyherbs.com and we’ll do our best to help.
Good news for everyone
It’s not necessary to toss your aged computers, cell phones, faxes, CDs and printers! Recycle them and save resources. A company in Washington State is offering a Techno Trash Can for all that waste.
Get together with your neighbors, your school or business and order the 70 lb capacity container. When the box is full, download postage from the GreenDisk website and ship it back. The contents will go to ten workshops for the disabled around the country to be refurbished and reused.
Contact them at www.greendisk.com or 800-305-3475.
With warm, green hopes,- Davy
Each year the International Herb Association selects its "Herb of the Year." In order to be selected, an herb must be fairly easy to grow and readily available. Although the herb selected may sometimes seem commonplace to some, it's only because they don't realize its many applications. Selecting such an herb affords herb lovers an opportunity to promote the many uses and benefits of the herb. So, presented for your pleasure...
Scented Geraniums are the Herb for 2006
If you don’t grow and use scented geraniums, you are missing out on wonderful plants!
Originally from Southern Africa, they were brought to Europe in the 1600s by early explorers. Although usually called “geraniums” in North America, their correct name is “scented pelargoniums”. There are over 250 known species but only about 35 are in cultivation. However, that number provides more than enough plants so everyone can find a favorite.
Probably the most familiar are the rose scented. Others are citrus and other fruits, mint, spice and large leaved pungent scented.
Geraniums are easy to grow and make ideal indoor plants for winter enjoyment. They thrive in temperatures that are comfortable for people and don’t require as much light as most indoor plants. Although the scenteds have blooms, their main attraction is the fragrance that is released whenever brushed lightly. No need to worry if you child or animal tastes them; all parts are edible!
They come in all sizes from tiny to quite large. The leaf size is a good indication of their mature size. They are a good addition to your patio in containers or in the ground. They are tender perennials, only hardy outdoors to zone 8 (sometimes 7).
Be sure to try several scented geraniums this year-you may fall in love!
Herb Lovers Tags™
Only available from Dabney Herbs!
Proclaim your love for herbs with an Herb Lovers Tag!
Perfect for your garden, home or on your car.Made from heavy-gauge, molded plastic, these weather-proof Herb Lovers Tags will hold up inside or out. Patented printing process insures that this original art is scratch and fade resistant. Two different designs to choose from (Green - at top, or Multi-Color - bottom). Get yours today!
Herb Lovers Tags (5 7/8" x 11 3/4" with mounting slots) Only $10.95 ea. includes shipping (Specify Green or Multi-Color)Order by phone/fax by calling (502) 893-5198
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Or MAIL your order and money order or check to:
Dabney Herbs P.O. Box 22061 Louisville KY 40252
or email us with your requestHappenings:
If you want your event listed here,
send details to info@dabneyherbs.com.
We’ll include everything there’s room for.
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Questions, Comments or Suggestions?
Have a question about growing or using herbs, how aromatherapy works, etc.?. Please don't hesitate to ask! And tell us what you think about our web site, our products, our company, etc. I welcome all of your comments and suggestions. If you would like more information about any of our products, just let me know. You can contact me at info@dabneyherbs.com
Custom-Crafted Gift Baskets
For Any OccasionNow you can get the perfect gift for someone special or yourself.
And best of all... we do all the work!
Unique and wonderful items available to meet any request, size or price.
Not sure what to order? Put our creative flair to work for you!
Want to ship a custom gift basket to your loved one?
No problem! We'll even add a personalized card from you.Call for Gift Basket pricing and info
We're here to serve you!
812-256-6118
Accepting Visa/Mastercard/Discover
Lighten Up!
If you suffer from SAD*, an Ott light will energize both you and your plants.
SAD is the syndrome caused by lack of sunlight. It may be caused by living in a cloudy place, working nights and sleeping during the daylight hours, or working in a windowless area. The OTT light has a bulb which is a source of natural spectrum light, (just like natural sunlight). An added advantage is that it uses 85% less electricity than an incandescent bulb.
I have been using one in my office for several years. As usual, we've had very little sunshine this winter, but my plants are green and healthy! This compact light only takes up the same amount of room on your desk as a 3" flower pot!. Available in computer gray, it folds down when not in use. The bulb is rated to burn about 10,000 hours. Use it anywhere you need extra light and get the benefits of its healthy rays. If you spend lots of time inside, you owe it to yourself to get yourself an Ott light! See better, feel better for only
OTT Light $55.00 (includes tax and shipping).Order by phone/fax by calling (502) 893-5198
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover!
Or MAIL your order and money order or check to:
Dabney Herbs P.O. Box 22061 Louisville KY 40252
How To KEEP CUT FLOWERS AND HERBS LOOKING FRESH LONGER!
Wouldn't you like to enjoy your bouquets longer? Experiments using clear carbonated beverages have proved successful in preserving the fresh appearance of fresh cuts. You can even use the carbonated drinks to keep herbs fresh for use in food! To make the solution, use 1/3 beverage to 2/3 water. Do not use diet drinks or dark colas, they don't work as well.
Have a question about growing or using herbs, how aromatherapy works, etc.?. Please don't hesitate to ask! And tell us what you think about our web site, our products, our company, etc. We welcome all of your comments and suggestions. If you would like more information about any of our products, just let us know. Contact me at info@dabneyherbs.com
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