It's Tuesday!.... Do you know what it is?

"Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book." - Ronald Reagan


"No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women."- Ronald Reagan


"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
- Ronald Reagan

Welcome to a quick what is it Tuesday post.. Look at the picture below and tell me what you think this plant is. It is a pretty plant that prefers rich moist soil and partial shade . It can tolerate direct sunlight but plants grown in shade tend to be larger and more succulent. It is related to mint in appearance, but it is not as invasive and easier to control. A clump-forming herbaceous perennial with heart shaped, deeply veined leaves that are covered with stiff hairs, it grows up to 1-2 feet high. Bluish-white or yellow flowers grow from the axils of the leaves and bloom from May to October. After pollination, long oval brown seeds appear. The leaves should be harvested before the flowering for optimum flavour and fragrance. The plant should be cut back in the fall. Any Ideas yet? The Amish people use this in a lot of their medicines. I have personally used their Ear ache drops made with this and found it to be very soothing and helpful..

This plant is a native to southern Europe and northern Africa and has been cultivated for over 2000 years. It has a long history as a healing herb and was also part of a drink that ensured longevity. The branches were strewn on floors to freshen a room, as mentioned by Shakespeare in "The Merry Wives of Windsor".
The Arabs introduced it as medicinal herb, a tea that was taken for anxiety and depression. It is still known in France today as a remedy for fatigue and headaches. The leaves were rubbed onto beehives to prevent swarming and to encourage the bees to return to the hives. I know the bees love it.. The honey bees here are fat with the nectar they suck from this plant every day.. a big garden spider builds his web from the edge of the planter to the nearest tree every night only to have me knock it down the next day to get to the water sprinkler. The Greek physician Dioscorides wrote about it being used for scorpions stings and insect and dog bites.

Wow.. I sure am glad I grow this plant in my bucket garden.. You can't tell from the picture but these plants are spilling out of a raised box made from four old shelves that were headed for a land fill... I love recycling things into containers for my gardens.. I even have stuff growing in a pair of Dave's old boots...

Let me know you were here by leaving me a comment.. please try and figure out what this plant is that grows so well in my gardens.. Maybe you have an idea for a unique planter for me to make? Maybe I can make it and fill it with this mystery plant.. take a guess if you don't know.. I bet someone out there knows.. is it YOU?! Have a great night!
Patsy