Spring weeding in the Woldumar Herb Garden has begun. It’s
always exciting to see what has survived winter’s cold temperatures. Warm
weather has brought an end to the truce between the bee balm and the lemon
balm. Both send out roots to expand
their territory, and they have both invaded the mulched demilitarized zone
between them. They also escape the
garden by creeping under the fence. They
are both aggressive spreaders but are not difficult to pull out when they are
where they should not be. Weeding them
releases their scent. The bee balm, Monarda didyma, has a sweet
rose-like smell; the lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, smells just like
lemon pledge. On the other hand,
comfrey, Symphytum officinale, is both aggressive and difficult to
remove because of its very deep roots.
The comfrey is starting to display its beautiful pink turning to blue
blossoms. These plants are worth
visiting the herb garden to see. All the
plants have markers indicating both their common name and their botanical name.
Woldumar may not be open to activities at this point, but the trails are open, and there are many more walkers than usual enjoying being outside in the fresh air while maintain social distancing. Come stroll through the herb garden.
Content provided with permission by Sylvia Colles. Questions for Sylvia (about the garden) may be relayed by contacting director@woldumar.org; emails can be readily forwarded to her.
