ROSEMARY - Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary is a woody herb that is a member of the Lamiaceae family. It’s a perennial evergreen plant that begins growing in the cool season and then thrives in the warm season. Since Rosemary is a Mediterranean plant, it’s considered hardy in Zones 7 to 10, but can be brought indoors to overwinter in colder climates. Once planted in the ground, Rosemary does not transfer to a container very well. So if you’re going to bring your Rosemary plant inside for the winter, start it in a container.

Started Rosemary plants can be set out in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Rosemary is super slow to germinate, so starting Rosemary from cuttings taken from established plants is definitely the way to go. Rosemary prefers 8 to 10 hours of full sun, but can take partial shade. Just be sure the soil is well-drained - no wet feet here! And be sure to give your Rosemary plants lots of space - an established plant can grow 4 feet tall and wide!

TIME TO EAT

Harvest Rosemary frequently when new growth has appeared. Cut sprigs that are 8 to 10 inches long and snip off the leaves when needed. You can bundle several sprigs together and hang to dry, or you can dry the sprigs in a dehydrator. Once dried, strip the leaves and store in the freezer for the longest life.

Here’s one of my favorite ways to use fresh (or dried) Rosemary - Garlic & Rosemary White Beans and Rice. Ingredients: 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 shallot or small white onion, finely minced; 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2-3 Tbsp chopped fresh Rosemary or 1-2 tsp dried Rosemary; 1 Tbsp chopped fresh Oregano or 1 tsp dried Oregano; 2 cans Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed); 1 and 1/4 cups vegetable broth; 1/2-1 tsp salt; and fresh ground pepper to taste. Heat olive oil in small saucepan. Add shallots or onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic, Rosemary and Oregano. Cook for about a minute. Add beans and broth, and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until beans start to thicken - stir frequently. Add salt and then add pepper to taste. Serve alone or over rice. Based on the Rosemary Beans from Zoe’s Kitchen.

BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW

The name for Rosemary originates from the Latin word “rosmarinus” which means “mist of the sea” or “dew of the sea”. It has been believed that Rosemary is a magical plant that can actually strengthen and improve memory. Also Rosemary is known as the herb of fidelity and remembrance and is often used in wedding ceremonies.

And according to a most famous legend, the flowers on a Rosemary plant originally were white. When Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus were fleeing from Herod to Egypt, Mary laid her cloak on a Rosemary bush and that is why the flowers on Rosemary plants are now blue.

I hope this gets you thinking about planting an herb garden. Here on the blog each week we’ll take a look at a different herb, and before you know it you’ll be ready to take on your own garden! If you’d like some help with design and planning, click the button below to reach out.