I recently received a copy of Beyond Rosemary, Basil and Thyme: Unusual, Interesting and Uncommon Herbs to Enjoy from author Theresa Mieseler; it is hot off the presses. This book contains some of the herbs that you might not grow–or even know about–that are worth investigating.

I have known Theresa Mieseler for decades–I first met her when we were both giving programs at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum–and at that time we went out to visit her farm, Shady Acres Herb Farm. She and her husband Jim, have grown and sold a selection of common, uncommon and unsual herb plants there, along with freshly cut herbs, as well as taught classes and held workshops for forty years.

In this just-published and long-awaited book, Theresa shares her enthusiasm for growing herbs, her professional experience and knowledge of many years in the herbal industry, as well as details and gorgeous photos of over 40 herbs that might be new to you. Just by reading each entry, you will see that Theresa has done serious research on each herb–from whence it came–to how it grows–and other facts that are interesting or fun to know.

I must admit, having grown herbs for over 40 years myself, that I know and grow a number of these herbs on a regular basis. There are also some that I may have grown once a long time ago, that I shall now revisit due to Theresa’s inspiration; I do need another ‘Shady Acres’ rosemary! And why am I without cape mallow, society garlic and bloody dock?

And then there are quite a few that I will seek out on purpose–or even order, as I have recently done– thanks to reading about them in Beyond Rosemary, Basil and Thyme. I have seen the balloon plant and caracalla and can’t wait to grow them myself, and I definitely would like to grow both the blue and red porterweeds for the hummingbirds. I thought I had grown all of the basils–how did I miss ‘Mrihani’ basil?! (Watch out Richo–you are going to sell out!). And I’d really like a Jamaican mint–will it really help me to sleep better?!

Besides herbal profiles, Theresa also includes recipes, shares stories from other herbal enthusiasts and has instructions on how to make lavender wands and tussie mussies.

I recommend this book for anyone who likes to grow herbs, flowers and unusual plants, enjoys a good plant story, is looking for some new plants to cultivate and is inspired by like-minded herbies. To order copies of this new book, go to: https://www.shadyacres.com/shady-acres-herb-and-gardening-shop/beyond-rosemary-basil-and-thyme

I also hope that you might tune into Theresa’s upcoming webinar, Beyond Rosemary, Basil and Thyme, on April 24 at 1 pm est. You can sign up at https://www.herbsociety.org/hsa-learn/hsa-webinars/