Winter Savory (Satureja montana). Winter savory is an evergreen perennial, hardy to Zone 5, that grows 30 to 45 centimetres tall. Winter savory is considered more pungent than its generally preferred relative summer savory, but winter savory has the advantage…
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Of the dozens of varieties of thyme that are available, the one most often grown for culinary use is so-called “common” or “English” thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Thyme is a 15 to 25-centimetre-tall shrubby perennial, hardy to Zone…
Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana, sometimes known as Marjorana hortensis). Sweet marjoram is an easy-to-grow annual herb in the same family as oregano, but with a milder flavour. It can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes.
Cultivation:…
Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis). Summer savory is grown for its spicy-tasting leaves that lend themselves to meat and bean dishes. It is one of the most popular herbs in Eastern Canada. Summer savory forms a mound-shaped plant about 35 centimetres…
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). Stevia, sometimes known as Sweetleaf, is a native of South America grown for its sweet-tasting leaves. Stevia can be used as a sugar substitute and is reportedly 200-300 times sweeter by weight than cane sugar.
Cultivation: Stevia…
Sage (Salvia officinalis). So-called “culinary sage” is a short-lived perennial herb, hardy to Zone 4 or 5, whose strongly flavoured leaves can be used in many meat and vegetable dishes. Sage can be used fresh or dried. NOTE: There are…
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, formerly Rosmarinus officinalis). Rosemary is a perennial herb, which pairs particularly well with lamb dishes and can be used for making flavoured oils or vinegars. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean and only hardy to Zone 8.…
Parsley – curly-leaved (Petroselinum crispum) and flat-leaved (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum). Both curly-leaved and flat-leaved parsley are commonly used as garnish or for flavouring. Curly-leaved parsley makes an attractive, compact addition to borders and planters. Flat-leaved parsley forms a bigger,…
Oregano (Origanum vulgare var. hirtum). Oregano, the so-called “pizza herb,” is closely related to sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana). For the best flavour, seek out Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare var. hirtum) from a reputable grower or seed supplier. Avoid common oregano…
Mint (Mentha spp). Mint is a perennial herb that is hardy to Zone 5 or lower. Mint is grown for its leaves, which are used to make mint teas as well as many cooked dishes. There are several different varieties,…
