Betz - Herbal Houseplants Grow beautiful herbs indoors! For flavor, fragrance, and fun

Grow Beautiful HerbsIndoors!

SUSAN BETZ

To my husband, David John Betz.

Two are better than one because they have good return for their labor.

Ecclesiastes 4:9

The herb becomes the teacher,
men stray after false goals,
when the herb he treads,
knows much, much more.

Henry Vaughn, Seventeenth-Century Philosopher-Physician-Poet

What is an herb? Something for everyone!

There have been many definitions of the word herb offered by those interested in the subject; for some, the term brings to mind the plants, such as parsley, oregano, and chives, used in culinary dishes. Botanically speaking, it is a plant whose stem does not become woody and persistent, an herbaceous plant that dies back to the ground in winter, but this obviously excludes some of the most common herbsrosemary, thyme, and sage. Historically, it may be a plant valued for its medicinal purpose, flavor, or scent and now admired for its ornamental beauty in a flower border.

The Herb Society of America defines herbs as plants, trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, biennials, or annuals valued historically, presently, or potentially for their flavor, fragrance, medicinal qualities, insecticidal qualities, economic or industrial use, or in the case of dyes, for the coloring material they provide. (Holly Shimizu, Essential Guide to The Beginners Herb Garden) I define herbs as plants with possibilities.

The rising wellness trend these days isnt just about keeping the body healthy; its also about nourishing the mind and spirit. Today, 50 percent of the worlds population resides in an urban environment; consequently, younger generations find themselves with less personal space, time, and money, provoking a yearning for a deeper relationship with the natural world. Because of this, they are turning to indoor plants to provide some of those benefits.

More than purely decorative, herbs are patient, tolerant, companionable plants and have always been adept at multitasking in and out of a garden. Whether planted in a pot or a plot, herbs encourage a spirit of human creativity and offer a comforting connection to the natural world. They are not only useful plants, but they also personalize the people-plant connection. Good relationships are what give our lives meaning and herbs are great at making friends for themselves.

Herbs have influenced culture and tradition across generations for thousands of years, woven into the fabric of religion, mythology, and folklore in every land. Since the earliest recorded history, herbs have played a vital role in humankinds health and well-being. The captivating adventure of growing and using herbs is never-ending. Over time the various uses of plants change, as do our needs, and a list of useful plants will differ from culture to culture and vary from one generation to the next.

In 1969, Adelma Grenier Simmons, a leading twentieth-century authority on herbs, wrote Herbs to Grow Indoors, for Flavor, for Fragrance, for Fun, the first book of its kind on how to successfully grow herbs in the average home environment. Fifty years later, new techniques, efficient grow lights, and herb varieties specifically bred for compact spaces offer those in urban situations a better and easier way to grow these delightful plants indoors.

My purpose in writing about the herbs I love is to promote the peace and tranquility found in growing and loving them. I wish you the best as you explore the endless possibilities found in growing herbs indoors and the benefits for body and soul they provide.