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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Invaluable, 24 Nov 2003
Most National Trust properties in the UK are grand old manors originally owned by nobility who liked their comforts and had the means to do things right. Unfortunately their upkeep is prohibitive in cost and many buildings and grounds have been deeded to the Trust that does an excellent job in maintaining them, educating us on the traditions of those times and making them available to the public. As herb gardens were almost always a part of the original master plan, wherever possible they have been restored and we are very fortunate to have a glimpse of this part of the life of the well to do of an earlier era. Collectively, the National Trust must have as many different varieties of herbs as can be found in the country and we are fortunate indeed that we have this book which is indispensable for anyone who wants to understand why our ancestors put such great emphasis on herbs, the value of herbs to us today and how to cultivate a selection in our own garden. Not only are herbs a delight to the touch, smell, taste and sight but you can have a herb tea garden, a culinary herb garden, a medical herb garden, a flowering herb garden and a fragrant herb garden. Moreover, we are told which herbs are suitable for edgings, low hedges, ground cover or a variety of other uses which make herbs multi-functional. We are told that there was a time when all plants were important to human kind - they were thought of as children of mother earth - each marked by divinity, worthy of respect and important on the physical, mental and spiritual levels. Today, herbs are considered by many to be useful only as seasoning in the kitchen. Study of the history of herbs, going back 5000 years, is intriguing in itself for their use in ceremony, magic, medicine and superstition. Drinking water from a stream with Chrysanthemums was thought to bestow longevity. Greek and Roman records describe and illustrate 600 healing plants. Other ancient texts devote themselves to perfumes, saying that the best marjoram essence came from the Greek Island of Cos, the best Cypress from Egypt, and the best saffron from Rhodes. In England there were treatises on culinary herbs with details of the part of each to be used - seed, flower, bud, leaf, stalk, or root and how it was best prepared - raw, chopped, steamed, blanched, or pickled. While there is so much interesting history and background information, the bulk of the book is taken up with one page devoted to each herb. When it comes to use, there are beautiful sections on herbal decorations, herbs for the household, herbs for massage and herbs for beauty. For the section on herbs in the kitchen there are recipes for six soups, nine fish dishes, 13 meat dishes and many savory, vegetable, side dishes, salads, snacks, deserts, breads, cakes, biscuits, preserves and drinks. In the introduction under the heading of 'The lure of herbs today' we are told: "Recently there has been a tremendous surge of interest in herbs. Research on medicinal and cosmetic uses and new ideas for decorative and scented applications are continually adding to the large body of herbal knowledge and skills. The object of this book is again to combine traditional with scientific knowledge and present the many innovative ways herbs can be used to enhance life in the home and at work. The practical approach will, I hope, encourage you to further inventiveness by providing a glimpse of the inexhaustible potential of herbs" and "If pressed for the reason for my new-found enthusiasm, I would say how delicious herbs were and that they could transform an ordinary dish into a culinary delight, or I would explain how handy they were with a growing family for treating colds, coughs and other minor ailments, but in truth these were the extra benefits. The real pleasure for me was just being with the herbs." For those who have not yet felt the urge to grow herbs, this book with its magnificent photos and helpful text is a perfect way to start. For those who are already growing a handful of herbs, this book will surely alert you to many more that you should experiment with. Even for the herb addict this book will be a useful addition to the library. It is difficult to think of anyone who would not profit from this truly beautiful work. Even for those city dwellers with limited space there are ideas for the patio, balcony and indoors. There is even a page on a children's herb garden and a moonlight garden.
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by Richard Mabey
by Rae Beth
by Deni Bown
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