Medicinal Herb Gardens ... of the 19th Century

Medicinal Lavender

During a recent trip this spring to Molbak's in Woodinville, Washington, I delighted over their array of robust herbs, particularly drawn to camomile and other "tea" herbs.

I've always been fascinated with herbs. I can't say why, exactly. Somehow they seem a bit mysterious; intriguing for their healing properties that historically only a select few were privy to. They seem, to me, historical ... and they are; often their scents are alluring, the texture diverse, and their flowers, delicate and beautiful.

Oh, and they make the most fantastical knot gardens.

While traveling on Spring Break, we visited historic Champoeg State Park in Oregon. While we've been there countless times over the years, I've yet to accomplish a visit while their living historians are working in the historically accurate 1860's Kitchen Garden, which will happen Saturday's throughout July and August.

I picked up a hand-drawn map of the still dormant garden and was thrilled at the variety of foods, flowers and yes ... herbs available and readily used by 19th century gardeners.

Here is a list of the medicinal herbs grown in this 1860's Kitchen Garden.

• Sage

• Valerian Root

• Golden Oregano

• Peppermint

• Marjoram

• Spearmint

• Yarrow

There is so much in the news regarding the renewed interest in medicinal herbs. Tomorrow, I'll begin to blog about current news and research regarding these centuries-old herbs.