Markdown Mom loves herbs and in the summer she buys each year a rosemary topiary similar to this one from Smith & Hawken®.  Not only is the fragrance wonderful and setting it on a shelf in front of the kitchen window makes it handy when cooking, but it is also very decorative. 

Like flowers, herbs have hidden meanings.  You may be surprised, or not especially if you belong to the feline sector, to know that catnip means intoxication with love.  If you don’t believe that, buy a little for your favorite cat and see how great it makes her/him feel–the silly reaction you will see should give us pause of what we look like in the throes of love!  When you look at their hidden meanings you can see why sage naturally means wisdom, other times you can see when used as a drink or food you would derive the meaning from the way the herb make us feel like chamomile for comfort especially chamomile tea.

Anyway, although the traditional gifts for Valentine’s Day are flowers and chocolates, this year think outside the box and throw in a little catnip, or a sprig of one of the following herbs for a hidden meaning!  For your favorite gardener or chef, you may want to give an arrangement of herbs or maybe include it as a little bouquet garni to be used later for a lover’s stew or soup, just don’t expect the same reaction to catnip from your loved one, unless he or she is a cat!

What do you want to say this Valentine’s Day?

Balm is for sympathy

Basil for love, best wishes, a blessing

Bay Leaf is for glory

Calendula for remembrance and joy

Catnip means intoxicated with love

Chamomile means comfort

Cilantro  hidden worth

Cowslip happiness

Daisy loyalty and innocence

Dill good spirits

Elder zealousness

Fennel worthy of praise

Geranium consolidation and comfort

Ivy matrimony and friendship

Lavender loyalty or devotion

Marigold grief and honesty

Mint grief and wisdom

Nasturtium for optimism

Oregano for happiness

Pansy remembrance and merriment

Peppermint  for cordiality

Rosemary for remembrance

Sage for wisdom

Sorrel for affection

Spearmint for sentiment

Thyme for courage and happiness

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