Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub. The leaves taste like minty pine and can be used fresh or dried to flavor meat, soups, and stews. When used medicinally or for aromatherapy, rosemary gives relief from headaches, tension, depression, or fatigue; externally, oil of rosemary makes an excellent addition to massage oil for rheumatism or aching joints. Medicinal doses are not safe for pregnant women, but normal culinary use is fine.

How to grow: Growing from seed is difficult, start indoors 5-6 months in advance. Press seeds lightly into soil and place in a sunny spot. Germination will be very slow, up to a month, with a naturally low percentage of the seeds sprouting. When the plants grow big enough to handle safely and there is no chance of frost, transplant them to light soil and full sun 18-24" apart. Rosemary thrives in dry and stony soils, and can be easily propagated from cuttings; it also makes an excellent container plant, especially in winters that drop below 17 degrees F.