Isabell loved to encourage people to start a herb garden as an important part of their home garden. She believed herbs were given to us for our health and healing.
If possible create a herb garden close to the kitchen, so that the herbs are near by for picking regularly.
Herb Robert box
If there is no room for a herb garden in the ground, plan where you can place a few good sized pots, so that you can still grow a variety of herbs to use for flavouring.
There are so many herbs to choose from when planning a herb garden. Start with herbs that you like, and then gradually increase the range to introduce new flavours.
Herbs are valuable not only for the flavours they impart, but also they are rich in vitamins, minerals, living enzymes, antibiotics and antioxidants. The more antioxidants that you can use from a variety of herbs, the more powerful will be the benefits of the antioxidants, as the effect is multiplied.
Most herbs will do well in a sunny position, but they will still grow in shade if that is all that is available. Herbs that really enjoy shade (or 1/2 day sun and 1/2 day shade) are angelica, lovage, stevia, lebanese cress, and lawn chamomile; in fact most of the low growing ground cover herbs would do quite well in shade as they generally are shallow rooted plants, which means they could dry out quite quickly in hot dry weather, therefore a shady position in the herb garden could be an advantage.
Mulch the herb garden thickly, as this will help retain moisture. Fertilise herbs regularly, preferably with an organic fertiliser or foliar spray.
Isabell in her garden
Some of the most popular culinary herbs are: parsley, chives, garlic, marjoram, oregano, coriander, thyme, basil and tarragon. Regular cutting the herbs for using in the kitchen, will make the bushes strong, as in using you are very effectively pruning them, and the herbs will thrive.
Enjoy the aromas of your herb garden, as the aroma builds up energy in the body and a feeling of well being. Talk to your herbs regularly, then they are sure to thrive!
Isabell Shipard.
Isabell’s Herb Book Reviewed by Nicola Newman
Getting the Kids involved in the Garden
Levi misting a variety of sprouts
People need plants, not only do they provide us food, but medicine, timber, energy, and they help to make the air we breathe by producing oxygen and removing many harmful air pollutants. Teaching children how plants grow and the process of a little seed growing into a plant and then producing its own fruit is so important. Children love to see their little plant grow throughout the stages of its life. It is also a good bonding experience between parents and children, and also grandparents could be invited to be involved too, as they have many things to share. By getting children out doors, they are learning a new skill, getting exercise, fresh air and absorbing Vitamin D (which helps with mental development). Gardening is a great hobby and past time for any age. It is interesting to note, that research at the Washington University, indicated we can reduce our stress levels and lower blood pressure, by spending time in the garden. Make your garden a wonderful place of peace where plants flourish.
Sensitive Plant (open)
Remember the saying: “Give a man a fish, he will eat for a day, but teach a man to fish and he will eat for a life time.” Lets teach our young.
Most people just find getting started, to be a bit daunting. Don’t rush, enjoy the process. The key, is to first get children intrigued.
Amazing plants that can ignite their interest could include:
Carnivorous Plants- Venus flytrap, Pitcher plants, Sundews, Cobra Lily, Nepenthes, Butterworts. These plants survive and feed by attracting, catching and then eating the bugs and grubs in your garden; you could also put a plant near the garbage bin to help with the fly situation. Some Plants and animals like fungi, fireflies, glow worms, and some large earthworms can even Glow.
Sensitive Plant (closed)
Some plants even move when you touch them, like the Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica), which is a weed found around Australia. It can close its leaves when you touch it, which fascinates children and the ‘not so young’ too. This plant is helpful for the nervous system. Caution: the stems do have prickles. For the many benefits of this plant refer to “How can I use Herbs in my Daily Life?”
Specials + Bonus Free DVD
Ends May 26th • 10% off any of Isabell Shipard’s books and dvds. • Buy 3 or more and get aBonus Free DVD (your choice of one of Isabell’s DVDs listed below)
(discount applies automatically and does not include postage, and only applies to the following books and dvds)
Books How can I use HERBS in my daily life? How can I grow and use Sprouts as living food? How can I be prepared with Self-Sufficiency and Survival Foods? DVDs Wonderful World of Herbs! – 2 DVD Set + booklet, Total Running Time 4:14 Living Food at it’s Best! – Sprout Course – 2 DVD Set, Total Running Time 2:34 Self Sufficiency and Survival Foods! – 2 DVD Set + booklet, Total Running Time 3:47
Plants, seeds and teas all available direct at the farm.
DVD Giveaway Competition
Ends May 26th
For each of Isabell’s Books and/or DVDs you buy you automatically go into a draw to win one of 3 prizes.
The more books/dvds you buy the more chances you have to win.
1st Prize
4 DVDs + a Discount Voucher for 50% off Isabell’s Books and/or DVDs
DVDs Included In 1st Prize Hungry for Change Food Matters The Gerson Miracle Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead
2 x Runner Up Prizes
1 DVDchose 1 DVD from 1st Prize
+ a Discount Voucher for 40% off Isabell’s Books and/or DVDs
Terms and Conditions
To enter this competition simply purchase any of Isabell Shipard’s books or dvds from ‘Herbs are Special’ or ‘Shipards Herb Farm’ before May 26th.
Buy entering this competition you agree to these terms and conditions.
Winners will be drawn on the 28th of May and notified by email.
If the prizes are not accepted and redeemed by the 8th of June new winners will be drawn.
The prizes are non-transferable or redeemable for cash.
Discount vouchers are one use only,do not include postage, and only applies to Isabell Shipard’s books and dvds.
The prize dvds will be sent at the same time and to the same address as products purchased with the redeemed discount vouchers.
The Promoter’s decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Some Short Herb Classes On Skillshare
Over the past weeks I have watched through a number of interesting classes on Skillshare.
Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of classes in design, business, tech, and more.
Below are a few short classes on herbs and gardening you might find interesting, and I invite you to try Skillshare Premium FREE for 2 months to check them out.
Use the links below to get full access to the classes below plus over 20,000 other classes taught by creators from around the world. No commitments. Cancel at anytime.
Ends May 26th
DVDs Included In 1st Prize
Use the links below to get full access to the classes below plus over 20,000 other classes taught by creators from around the world. No commitments. Cancel at anytime.