Chives, Chives, and More Chives: A Look into the O'Hara Garden

SUNDAY’S IN THE GARDEN/ JULY 5TH 2020

Today we are going to take a look at one of the herbs from our heritage herb garden here at the Homestead. The herb of choice today is chives! This herb is a staple in many gardens and has a wide range of uses.

Chives are a bulb-forming perennial herb that likes to spread! If the flowers grow for too long they will reseed and your garden might be taken over!

Chives can be used in a variety of different cooking recipes, including flavouring for soups or as a garnish. They can be used frozen and fresh. Try them on boiled potatoes with butter, it’s very good!

The leaves of chives are mildly antiseptic and when sprinkled on food stimulate the appetite and promote digestion. This handy herb is a good source of iron and calcium, along with a number of antioxidant compounds.

Something you might not have known about chives is that they have some interesting medicinal uses! Historically, chives have been used to promote sweating and, get this, male fertility!

With so many uses, chives are a great addition to your garden and your diet!

Thats all for today from the sunny garden at O’Hara. If you are in the area, stop by and take a wander through the gardens!