I really can’t imagine my garden without the addition of Rosemary. It’s a plant I’ve enjoyed growing ever since I can remember and for many good reasons. This fragrant, evergreen herb has a long list of benefits that make it a valuable plant for anyone who loves to cook, garden, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just beginning to create your garden, Rosemary is an easily grown plant that can certainly add some real appeal.
One of the main reasons people grow Rosemary is for its incredible culinary uses. Rosemary has a unique flavour that combines well with a variety of dishes, from roasted meats and vegetables to soups and stews. It’s a popular ingredient in many traditional Mediterranean dishes and actually a member of the Mint family. My favourite Rosemary recipe is to roast potatoes in olive oil, then at the end of cooking add a scattering of Rosemary leaves and chopped garlic over the potatoes. When crispy and cooked add a sprinkling of salt and enjoy. It’s a really delicious dish I asked of a Chef many years ago.
Rosemary’s benefits go beyond the kitchen. This plant also makes the perfect plant to add to your Herb Garden. As a hardy herb it’s a popular choice for gardeners; being so easy to care for. Rosemary is drought and cold tolerant and can thrive in poor soil, making it a great choice for gardeners who are new to gardening or have limited space. It’s also relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning and fertilising to keep it healthy and thriving. I usually grow Rosemary in the garden with good drainage, however it can be grown just as happily in a pot too. While Rosemary can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, it tends to perform better in alkaline soils rather than in acidic soils.
When you prune your Rosemary plant regularly, it will maintain its shape longer promoting healthy growth. While doing this the fragrant oils in the leaves will be released – so wonderful. I also love the beautiful, fragrant clusters of small, blue flowers and enjoy watching the bees moving from flower to flower in search of pollen. The flowers are definitely irresistible to bees and butterflies providing a sweet source of nectar for these important pollinators. In time as the flowers fade, they can be used in floral arrangements or as a fragrant addition to potpourri and of course the white and pink flowering varieties are just as beautiful and useful. 
Many people grow Rosemary is for its known health benefits. For centuries, Rosemary has been used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, from headaches and digestive issues to memory loss. The herb contains compounds that have been shown to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, so an option for those looking to improve their overall health and well-being.
As well as its culinary, medicinal, and aesthetic uses, Rosemary has a rich history and cultural significance. In ancient Greece, Rosemary was used as a symbol of love and loyalty, while now it’s often used as a token of rememberance. Whether growing Rosemary for yourself or for giving as a gift, it’s a plant that’s sure to be appreciated. Included in some of the flower bunches I made for Mother’s Day the beautiful fragrance of Rosemary added a really nice touch.
Rosemary is definitely a valuable herb that offers benefits to gardeners and cooks alike. From its incredible culinary uses to its health benefits and cultural significance, there are so many reasons to grow Rosemary. If you do have a shrub in your garden; it’s a great plant to gift as a cutting to both friends and family. “Happy Gardening” everyone. Kind regards, Romaine from RAMESA Nursery.