her(b)itage

I have the fondest memories of visiting my grandma this time of year, of finding our way out to see her herb garden. She would point out an herb, pinch off a leaf, press it to her nose {closing her eyes sometimes while she took in the aroma}, then hand it to us to taste. We'd wind through her stepping stones, sampling the various nuances of flavors, fascinated by her knowledge of all the different herbs and how she would savor them all. As a kid, I didn't fully grasp the heritage she was passing on.....until now. 

This week, we ran into some friends on a walk and got to talking. After awhile, we found our way back to our house, out to see my herb garden, snapping off leaves, taking in the aroma, handing them around to be tasted, and shoving them into plastic baggies for them to take home and savor. 

You may have never seen what all the herb-hype is about.
Let me show you :)

Watermelon. Blueberries. Mint. 
This was the outcome of needing to bring fruit to a Memorial Day pool party, already having watermelon and blueberries, but wanting to spice it up a bit. Now it's one of our favorite flavor-combos. So simple. So summery.

I had no idea how much more flavorful fresh cilantro is than store-bought. Pungent, refreshing, a natural chelator. 
And a good side for a date night at home.

Guacamole with Fresh Cilantro:

1 avocado, Juice of 1/2 lime, 1/4 jalapeno (chopped), Cilantro, Salt to taste

Mint-Lavender Limeade.
Not sure how to describe the flavors of this drink, other than you gotta try it. People 'round here are always trying to get rid of mint. It grows like a weed, so take them up on it! I juiced 3 limes, which made 1/2 cup lime juice, added 3 1/2 cups water, 2 packets stevia (although you could sweeten with honey or sugar), the above mint and lavender. Blended. and Savored.

Below, the left is some thyme I harvested and dried last fall compared to store-bought on the right. This winter, when we made pots of vegetable or tomato soup, I would add the home-grown thyme for a fresh flavor. 
The difference is like night and day.

There's still time! (and thyme :)
Herbs grow fast.
Many are perennial. 
You don't even need a garden for them! They grow great in containers. 
Some of mine are planted in steel buckets. Directions here.

Looking back, what I appreciate most of our trips to the herb garden is seeing 

Life is to be savored.

So often, we find ourselves in a rush. 

Herbs are a reminder of how flavorful life can be, but we have to slow down.

Stop and smell the rosemary.