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?”
Your herb book is wonderful. It is the most used book in my library. I find myself constantly referring friends to it, and I don’t like to lend it out any more, as I get a little stroppy when I can’t put my hands on it when I want it.
I have decided to write, as a follow up to reading your magnificent herb book. Actually I may be forever reading your book, as it so comprehensively covers its subject matter. It truly is the best that I have found and it is like a herb bible for all of us learning about what herbs are about. So, thankyou for such a marvelous body of work.
I bought a herb book from you last year. The detail, hints and “how to do” throughout make this book a treasure to own. Now, I would like to order a book to give to my daughter who uses herbs regularly.
I have an interest in self-sufficiency and well-being; for me this book is worth its weight in gold. Your book is a whole combined package, unmatched by other books. I have found the book very captivating, covering so many useful plants. One can get a very good picture about the garden of Eden and the gifts that mankind was given to use and enjoy.
Dear Isabell, I am ordering 7 Sprout Books. I look forward to receiving them for myself and for gifts. I keep your Herb Book always within easy reach!
I ordered your herb book a few months ago and must say that it is the most valuable book in my library.
This book totally replaces all the other books I have on herbs. The amount of information on each herb is amazing. Not only will this be an invaluable tool in the creation of my herb garden and in the health and well-being of my family, but also for my animals who suffer just as much from the processed foods and pollution of today.
Dear Isabell, Fantastic book you have produced! Congratulations. It will be a reference book for many, many years. Well done. Could you please send us another 5 copies.
I am a member of Brisbane Organic Growers. “How can I use Herbs in my Daily Life is always on sale at meetings. All who purchase it agree it is the most wonderful and comprehensive book on the subject. It makes all other herb books obselete.
Hello Isabell, I have recently purchased your fantastic, fabulous and wonderful herb book. I am currently studying full time for Bachelor of Health Science with a major in herbs. I am enjoying your book so much. It is one the most comprehensive books I have come across.
I recently bought the Herb Book and have found it packed full of valuable information. I believe this book is a must have for any health conscious person.
The sprout book is fantastic, just like the herb book. Such valuable information for everyone.
I love and treasure your book. It was given to me by a friend and I constantly read and refer to it; thankyou, thankyou, thankyou for making it available.
Truly magnificent would be the best way to describe the herb book.
Your herb book is the best book on herbs I have come across.
The Herb Book is the most wonderful herb book I have ever seen, It has become a daily reference book.
Dear Isabell, I want to thankyou very much for this WONDERFUL book on herbs. So much information that I have been looking for and wanting, it's fabulous. I just did my Permaculture Design Certificate with Bill Mollison and Geoff Lawton and they were so enthusiastic about your book that I had to get it, even though I already own about 12 books on herbs.
Congratulations on your herb book. It is very well put together and it is our prime reference manual, and we recommend it to whoever will listen.
I bought your book 2 years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed it and am always lending it out. It is such a practical guide, that I now would like to order 5 books to give one each to my 4 daughters and 1 son, who I am sure will enjoy it as I have done.
I got the herb book for my birthday two years ago and still find it the best source of useful information of any herb book I have, in fact, more useful and better written than the lot combined!
Your book “How can I use herbs in my daily life?” has caused me many sleepless nights, for which I am eternally grateful. As reading and re-reading and then reading again, brings more interest, information and delight, I feel like a child let loose in a lolly shop.
The sprout book is great and I have just started reaping the benefits of our first crop of sprouts, and I can honestly say that I have been mesmerized by the amount of information in the herb book. Both books are fantastic references.
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Over the past weeks I have watched through a number of interesting classes on Skillshare.
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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.
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Isabell's Books and DVDs
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.