There is absolutely nothing like fresh rosemary! It is one of my favorite herbs and is fabulous for the garden, kitchen and potpourri bowl. In my opinion, every garden must have at least one rosemary plant.

Rosemary, scientific name Rosmarinus officinalis, is a member of the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean region where it grows in dry, sandy or rocky soils. The climate in this region boasts warm summer days, cool nights and mild, dry winters. Not every region has this type of climate, but most folks can grow this herb successfully with a little thought to its culture. Here in Florida, the humidity makes growing rosemary a challenge.

I have found that rosemary will grow in this less than perfect environment if the soil is very well-drained and sandy. Don't worry if the soil is poor, rosemary likes a bit of abuse. There should be at least 6 hours of full sun every day. Established plants do not need extra irrigation except during droughts. However, it takes longer to establish this woody herb than I would have expected. The young plants seem to grow better if irrigated regularly whether from rain or the hose for a few months. Even during establishment, don't overdo the water, this herb rots easily.

A lovely plant in the landscape, rosemary is tough and durable. It can take the heat of a western exposure and does well against a wall or in a pot on a sunny patio or terrace. Rosemary makes a wonderfully fragrant hedge, kitchen garden border, or background for perennial flowerbeds.

Where ever I have planted rosemary, the cats have found it. They seem to love the fragrance of it as much as catnip. My old girl, kitty KC loves rosemary.

Rosemary is known as the herb of remembrance, friendship and love. It has been used as a medicinal and aromatic herb for thousands of years. In medieval Europe, sprigs of rosemary were placed into wine goblets to toast the bride, placed under pillows to ward off evil spirits, and used in funerals to insure remembrance. Greek students wore it in their hair to improve memory. It is said that where a rosemary plant grows vigorously in the garden, the woman is the head of the household - sorry guys!

There are many uses for rosemary besides the traditional culinary uses. Try using leaves in potpourris, soaps, and lotions. Sprinkling a few sprigs in closets and drawers adds a fresh fragrance. In the bath water, an infusion of rosemary leaves refreshes and stimulates. Rosemary oils are said to have antibacterial properties. For centuries herbalists have prescribed rosemary for curing dozens of maladies. Most of these medicinal uses have not been verified by research, so I recommend you check with your doctor before substituting or using any herb for medical care.

My favorite use for rosemary is still in the kitchen. Recently I added fresh rosemary and thyme to old-fashioned chicken noodle soup - yum! However my favorite way of using rosemary is on a simple chicken breast. The recipe is simple too, lots of finely chopped rosemary leaves, ground white pepper, salt, a little olive oil and a generous squeeze of key lime juice. Toss this mixture with the chicken and let it marinate for 30 minutes to an hour. Grill the breast, even a grill pan on top of the stove works for a quick and light meal.

Though it is still summer, herb vinegar makes a nice gift during the holidays. I make a few bottles in the summer while life is not so hectic. A bottle of herb vinegar is a great last minute holiday gift.

To make herb vinegar, harvest fresh herbs, wash and dry them and place them in clean, decorative bottles. Fill the bottle to the rim with cider, red wine, or white wine vinegar with strong acidity (8%) and cover with a non-metallic, acid proof lid or cap. Let steep at least 2 weeks before using or gifting. Use white distilled vinegar to make a effective kitchen cleaner with a fresh scent.