Origanum spp.  Oregano and Marjoram, hardy herbaceous or shrubby perennials. 

 

When we moved here from Virginia Beach, VA,  I brought a small rectangular planter of oregano with us.  We planted it in the area just above our house.  In the last 13 years it has spread enough to fill that whole garden bed.  I cut it back every year, and Jon has mowed it on occasion.  It is related to mint,  and you know what that does!!  DON'T buy oregano!!!  Come get fresh oregano and dry it yourself.   

 

Nobody in my life should ever have to pay $$ for Oregano.

 

Oregano is an ancient culinary herb.  The Greeks gave it the name: oros ganos, meaning joy of the mountain.  And the sweet spicy scent of sweet marjoram is a symbol of happiness, reputedly created by Aphrodite.  In ancient Egypt, it was well-known that oregano had the power to heal, disinfect and preserve. 

 

We grow oregano today to attract bees and butterf!ies.  Oregano also goes into most things we cook:  bread, pizza dough, salad greens, most vegetable dishes.  It can be used fresh or dried.  We harvest it, then hang the branches to dry, and crush the leaves just before using.  I'll add Jon's pizza dough recipe in the recipe section.

 

Really, come get some before cold weather sets in.  It can even be transplanted now into pots.

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!