HERB MAGIC 
‘‘And in the Beginning — 
Herbs, always a part of the life and folk lore of all races, hold memoriee of 
ancient eastern temple rites, the history of medicine, magic and witchcraft. Herbs 
are among- the most fascinating forms of plant life, not alone for their utilitarian 
purposes but because of their close relationship to the human race throughout its 
known history. 
Growing in friendliness with the human race they became an essential to every 
home, whether cottage or castle, up to recent times. In the rapid expansion of this 
country some of their virtues were overlooked for a time. Their revival is not a fad 
but a natural outgrowth of our need for the wholesome things of life. 
WHAT ARE HERBS 
Herbs, as the term is used here are plants used for some special purposes and in 
a general way are divided into three overlapping groups—Aromatic Herbs grown for 
their fragrance; Savory or Pot Herbs, used as flavoring for foods; and Medicinal Herbs, 
used in preparing old-fashioned remedies and the basis of modern medicine. These 
are closely associated with those plants used in Magic and Religious rites. To the 
Savory Herbs may be added some of the unusual Salad plants that seem to be along 
the border line between Herbs and Vegetables. 
GROWING HERBS 
Herbs present no special cultural problems. Excessive fertility is not desirable 
for most kinds, and a well drained good garden soil is ideal. The Mint family seems 
to do well in a soil that is constantly moist. Chervil requires moderate shade here 
in the mid-west. 
Sow .seeds of the annual Herbs outdoors at early corn planting time in your 
locality, or when the maples start to leaf out. 
Possibly you have visions of an old-fashioned “knot” or formal garden, grown 
in neatly trimmed geometrical designs divided by formal paths. This is interesting 
and possible if you have plenty of time but is not practical for the average home gar¬ 
dener. Most of the herbs used for cooking grow' too large and sprawl around too 
much for small formal beds. If possible you will find it handy to grow a few plants 
of each kind as near the kitchen as possible where you can run out and pinch off a 
few' sprigs as needed. They will readily work into our informal flower borders where 
their varying leaf color and texture add to the ornamental effect, and where they 
will live in friendliness with your'other plants. Many of them adapt themselves also 
to the rock garden. 
Although some have inconspicuous flowers, many are lovely and joyous with 
color. The foliage varies from delicate soft gray to deepest green and some are vari- 
gated with cream or white. There is an extraordinary variety of leaf texture. 
Perhaps you will want to have a “Pinchy Garden”, one with fragrant leaves that 
invites you to gently pinch the. leaves to release their delicious fragrance. 
They add delicious flavors to worn out menus, and may be dried for winter use; 
or the many fragrant leaved kinds may be preserved for sweet bags, sachets, and 
pot-pourris. 
Mrs. Toole has prepared a little folder of Seasonable Suggestions, For the Use 
of Herbs, giving brief practical directions for their use in cooking. This will just fit 
in your card file of recipes. Free on request. 
The plants we offer are strong and vigorous and should give you results the first 
season with reasonable care. 
