Rosemary: The 'Queen of Herbs'

HISTORY:   Rosemary has some of the most interesting history and folklore surrounding it.  The name comes from the Latin ros maris or "dew of the sea" where it is native to the areas of the Mediterranean.  
· It was later called Rose of Mary or rosemary in honor of the Virgin Mary. This plant was believed to be the bush that sheltered the Holy Family on their flight to Egypt. As she spread her cloak over the herb, the white flowers turned blue.
· Folklore holds that the bush never grows higher than Christ stood and that it only lives for 33 years.
Rosemary has also been called the herb of remembrance and there are several anecdotal fables surrounding it in this regard.  
· To encourage couples to remember their wedding vows, it was entwined into the bride's head wreath and, tied with ribbons, was presented to wedding guests. It was added to wine and used to toast the bride's special wishes.

· Students taking examinations would massage rosemary oil into the forehead and temples.
· It has also become a funeral flower because it symbolized the memories of loved ones. It has been placed in tombs to remember the dead as far back as ancient Egypt and was used to embalm them. .

Another planting of Creeping Rosemary near Hoover Dam in Nevada.  

Growing Rosemary 

We have found Rosemary to be a very adaptable herb plant that is very easy to grow in our warm humid summers of the Upstate of South Carolina.  It is also hardy during all but the harshest of our winters.  If winter hardiness is a concern for you, we suggest that you use some of the more proven strains such as our standard strain, Arp and Hill Hardy that have been proven hardy into Zone 7 of the Appalachian mountains.  

Select a site for Rosemary that will be very sunny.  Try to protect from cold winter winds and overly harsh winter cold.  Well drained soil is also essential for success with Rosemary.  Rosemary prefers to remain evenly moist and does not respond well to periods of wet or drought for extended periods.  An alkaline soil will give a smaller rosemary plant that is more fragrant.  If your soil is acidic you can make it more limey by adding commercial lime, eggshells or potash.  Leave 2-3 feet between plants when they are planted.  Plants can get rather large.  

Keep watered during periods of summer drought and fertilize lightly during the early spring.  Harvest sprigs of rosemary year round for use.  

Using Rosemary 

Rosemary is  very versatile herb that has many varied uses in and around the home.  It is of course best known as a staple of the culinary herbs, being used in many meat dishes.  It also has many uses such as in the landscape,  decorative, and other household uses.  

Decorative and Landscaping uses.   Rosemary may be used in many different manners with landscaping.  It is often used where a low hedge would be advantageous.  The richly fragrant foliage is an added benefit to the dark green colors of the needle shaped leave.  When kept sheared, rosemary hedges take on forms similar to yew and other evergreen shrubs.  Rosemary plants also make super specimen plants when planted in large containers and trimmed into decorative forms. such as topiaries.  These are often wonderful additions to a pool or patio area.  

Rosemary branches may be used as a fragrant framework for wreaths and garlands.  

Household uses-  Rosemary leaves may be used in many different ways around the house.  Use in potpourri, lay sprigs among linens to deter moths and other insects.  Boil a hndful of rosemary leaves in 2 cups of water to yield and antiseptic solution for cleaning.  

Culinary Uses-  This is far and away the most common use for this wonderful herb and as far as we are concerned the one that we think is most underused.  Some of the most memorable meals I have had have been flavored with rosemary.  The flowers may be tossed into a fresh salad or the leaves used in a wide variety of dishes.  It is best know for the hearty flavor it gives to meat dishes such as pork and beef roast.  Want to jazz up a summer grill.  Try using rosemary stems as a skewer for a ka-bobs.  We have also found that adding fresh rosemary boughs while smoking meats give it a very nice flavor.  We like this especially when water smoking turkey.  Rosemary also gives a heartiness to the flavor of many of our vegetable dishes.  Try it with sautéed summer vegetables such as squash and green beans.  Rosemary Butter is wonderful on baked potatoes.  

MEDICINAL USE Studies show rosemary leaves increase circulation, reduce headaches and fight bacterial and fungal infections. It is considered one of the strongest natural antioxidants. 

Toxicity:
· Prolonged handling of fresh rosemary plants or using cosmetics scented with rosemary oil may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive people. Use sparingly if pregnant. 

Rosemary trees in the Conservatory at Bellagio resort, Las Vegas, NV

Our Plants 

We are proud of the selection of Rosemary varieties we offer.  We try to offer varieties that work well for this area or that are unique in some manner.  Our Rosemary plants are available in two sizes: 1) a four inch square pot and 2) a three gallon specimen plant.  Many people appreciate the larger size offered by the 3-gallon plants.  

Recipes using Rosemary