LOVAGE

I first spotted this old fashioned herb in the garden at Dove Cottage in Grassmere and wanted to konw more, so I grew some from seed. As the instructions said that a household needs only one plant, I distributed the seedlings around friends. It is now one of my favourite herbs, giving far beyond the minimal attention is requires. If you are not familiar with it, you must give it a try! It is a bit like celery, but with a more gentle, smokey, almost meaty flavour. It transforms soups and salads and can be used in casseroles and sauces. The only attention it requires is a thorough thrashing from time to time, or it will reach 2 metres and cast shade over your whole garden!