RUE ( Ruta graveolens). 2 ft. The bitterest herb that grows, it is nevertheless 
decorative in the garden because of its finely cut blue-green foliage and flat 
panicles of yellow-green flowers. In France, Rue sandwiches (cream cheese and 
fresh leaves of Rue) are considered a delicacy. 
SAGE ( Salvia officinalis). ft. Along with rue, marjoram, hyssop, and other 
common herbs, Sage was considered of prime importance by the early herbalists. 
In Elizabethan times as now it was widely used in cooking. And lest we forget: 
“He who would live for aye 
Must eat of Sage in May.” 
SAVORY, Winter ( Satureia montana). 1 ft. A low-growing woody plant covered 
with myriads of tiny white flowers in early autumn, Winter Savory may be used 
to border the beds in the herb-garden. It needs only an occasional shearing. 
A favorite French pot-herb, Savory imparts a delicious flavor to soup and meat 
dishes. 
SOUTHERNWOOD (A rtemisia Abrotanum). 2 to 3 ft. The pungent fragrance 
of this woody plant is often sensed in the Victorian bouquets which some people 
still make for their parlors. Familiar New England names for this perennial 
are Old Man and Lad’s Love. An old English tradition gave rise to the belief 
that a girl wearing a sprig of Southernwood in her shoe would meet her lover 
in her travels. 
SPEARMINT ( Mentha spicata). 2 ft. Since before the time of Charlemagne, 
Spearmint has been widely used in England. To keep a Mint bed in good con¬ 
dition, it needs to be reset every other year. A moist soil suits it best. Mint 
makes a refreshing beverage and is much used in England when cooking new 
potatoes and peas. 
TANSY ( Tanacetum vulgare crispum). 3 ft. Although widely naturalized in the 
eastern United States, Tansy is not a native plant but a garden escape (pre¬ 
sumably from an old Puritan garden). In early New England, Tansy pudding 
was eaten in early spring to counteract the effect of the long fish diet of the 
winter. This variety with curled foliage resembles a fern and is of pleasing texture. 
TARRAGON ( Artemisia Dracunculus) . 3 ft. In salads and soups the leaves add 
a delicious tang, and Tarragon vinegar is the pride of every accomplished cook. 
In buying Tarragon it is important to obtain the true French type. 35 cts. each; 
$3.00 per 10. 
THYME ( Thymus Serpyllum). 9 in. The pungent fragrance of Thyme is always 
pleasing, especially if grown between stepping-stones or along the edge of a 
path where it can be trodden easily. Through the centuries since early Roman 
times, poets and prose-writers have written enthusiastically about this humble 
plant. Many virtues have been ascribed to it, and it is still widely used in cooking. 
To keep the plants in vigorous condition, reset them every two years. Full sun 
and ordinary soil will suffice. 
Thymus Ser pyllum albus. 3 in. This variety likes to clamber over rocks and 
prefers moist soil. 
Thymus Ser pyllum cilriodorus. 6 in. The fragrant Lemon Thyme. 
Thymus herba-barona. 6 n. A Corsican species used to flavor beef. 
Thymus vulgaris. 6 to 9 in. There are two forms of T. vulgaris generally sold— 
the narrow-leaved French form (the best for culinary use) and the broad¬ 
leaved English form. 
WORMWOOD ( Artemisia absinthium) . 3 ft. The Elizabethans used Wormwood 
in their clothes-presses to banish moths. From the leaves, the liqueur absinthe 
is distilled. 
Beach ( Artemisia Slelleriana) . l)^ ft. Dusty Miller, as it is sometimes called, 
was often used for bordering beds in nineteenth-century gardens. Both the 
stems and the foliage are covered with grayish bloom. 
Fringed ( Artemisia frigida). 1ft. Masses of the silvery grav-green foliage 
of this native Artemisia are attractive in nooks in the wall-garden or among 
bright-colored flowers in the rock-garden. 
Roman ( Artemisia pontica). 1 ft. Also known as Old Woman and Girl’s Love, 
this plant has long been treasured in New England gardens for its attractive 
silver-gray foliage. Use it as an edging plant, or let it meander along the top 
of a low wall. It belongs in every herb-garden as a companion to A. Abro¬ 
tanum, known as Old Man or Boy’s Love. 
30 
HIGHMEAD NURSERY, INC. IPSWICH, MASS. 
