Monday, May 2, 2011

A Small Herbal Move!

My photos are all looking alike these days!  This is one of several lady's mantles (Alchemilla mollis) that we have moved into the herb garden.  It is about twice its size already from all of the rain we are having.  A native of northern Europe and named for the Virgin Mary's cloak with the scalloped edge.  It is lovely after a rain when its leaves hold the water making them glisten.  It does have an edible flower.  I have never personally eaten it.  Ours usually get buried in a bed in the back.  Maybe now that we have moved them to a more prominent space, I will try eating some of them.  Lady's Mantle is very popular in England where it is used in an herb garden or any garden as an edging plant.  It is a clumper and reseeds very gently.  It does get ratty in the summer meaning you need to trim it back after the flowers are done to have it looking good.  A very ornamental herb.  Hope you had a good day wherever you may be.  Talk to you later.

6 comments:

Pammy said...

I don't know how Lady's Mantle would fare here in the south. I will have to investigate it further. I'm so happy your getting rain. Still nothing here. Not a drop. The only leaves I get to see glistening is after I irrigate. Soon I say!! Thanks so much for sharing. I look forward to see your lady's progress. xxooxx

Unknown said...

Ditto, what Pammy said. I have never seen it offered in nurseries here. Sounds like a pretty leafed plant.

Pat said...

We have Lady's Mantle here also...the leaf's shape is one of my favorites. Thank you for the suggestion to trim back after flowering. And I didn't know the flower was edible. Another day of 36 degrees and overcast...but the weather guru's say 50-60's are on the way. Our farming communities are over 3 weeks behind in planting - can't get into the fields. Last year at this time, 90% of the crops were in...as of today, a total of 7% only...and that is Statewide!

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

I let you see her progress as she grows, ladies. Hope you get rain soon Pammy. It is very pretty, TG. I'll be able to show you a clump shortly. It has been a wild spring, TO. Spring is really late in the north. Hope you catch up quick!

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

Wow your blog is so full of great tips and information. So glad that I found it!!

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Thanks Steffi and Alicia for stopping by. Come by again.