Rosemary
Peter Valder looked at rosemary, an evergreen, perennial shrub belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). An important herb throughout the history of folklore and medicine, rosemary is native to the Mediterranean coastal region.
Remembrance
The Ancient Greeks believed rosemary actually improved the memory, and so they twined it through their hair when they were studying for examinations. It’s thought that rosemary was introduced to Britain by knights returning from the Crusades. “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance” said poor, mad Ophelia in Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’. Rosemary was also a symbol of loyalty and love, so brides, including Anne of Cleaves, wore it in their hair and included it in their wedding bouquets. It has long been used in funeral wreaths and planted around graveyards and war cemeteries. Here in Australia many people wear sprigs of rosemary on Anzac Day, in memory of our fallen war heroes.
Cure for baldness?
As well as a token of remembrance, rosemary has been used over the centuries as an moth repellent, a disinfectant, an air purifier and an ingredient in perfumes such as eau-de-cologne. It was also used in ancient herbal remedies as a cure for gout, headaches, depression, liver complaints and baldness. Today it is best known as a culinary herb, and is very popular in lamb dishes.
Growing rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) grows about 1.5m (5′) tall and 2.5m (8′) wide. It has grey-green, aromatic foliage, squarish upper twigs, and spikes of lavender-blue flowers from early August to October. Rosmarinus lavandulaceus has similar leaves and flowers, but has a prostrate, spreading habit.
Rosemary likes a well-drained soil and a position in full sun. Prune plants after flowering to maintain a dense shape.
Further information
Look for rosemary in the herb section at your local nursery or garden centre. Expect to pay around $15 for a 200mm (8″) pot, and $7 for a 150mm (6″) pot.
Peter Valder’s latest book is titled ‘Gardens in China’. It is published by Florilegium (ISBN 1876314133) and is available at all good book stores. RRP $90.00.