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MerriMail Issue Five Sneak Peek

Rosemary & Rememberance

Your Gift - Rosemary Topiary Ring by Schubert Nursery

What better way to appreciate the Indian summer and celebrate the onset of the holidays than with a topiary of rosemary? Used as an herb, it adds a savory flavor to vegetables, steak, poultry, pork, fish—well, just about any food that can be roasted or grilled. And as an evergreen plant, it is a festive decoration for the winter holiday season.

As we look toward the next few months we realize they are busy ones. School has started. The holidays are fast approaching. Gatherings for family and friends are frequent and many. There seems to be so much to do that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. But it’s during these times that it’s important to keep life in balance to fully enjoy the different seasons and loved ones.

A symbol of remembrance and friendship, rosemary is a nice gift to give to others. It’s also ideal because of its many uses, which we explore in this issue—from cooking and decorating to cultivating and drying. We also take a moment to appreciate the shape of the rosemary ring through artwork by renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy. And finally, we explore Ladew Gardens and the Rosemary Hockney Memorial Foundation.

Share, remember and embrace everything that the fall and winter months have to offer. Enjoy your rosemary topiary. Cook with it. Plant it. Decorate it. Nurture it and yourself throughout the season.

Be Merri,

In This Issue

Your Gift :: Ring of Rosemary

The ring of rosemary from Schubert Nursery is a versatile plant that has multiple uses. The aromatic, perennial shrub has leaves that are similar to a pine needle. In the spring and summer, it grows blue flowers. The plant thrives in warm environments where it can grow to a height of between three and five feet.

Caring for Your Rosemary

Rosemary is suitable for placement indoors and should have bright light and excellent air circulation. Periodically place your rosemary plant outdoors on a covered patio with about 50 percent shade. Rosemary prefers low humidity. In areas with high humidity, keep the plant indoors during the humid times of the year. Rosemary will do well in the terra cotta pot in which it was delivered. Be sure to place a small dish underneath the pot if you plan to sit it on a piece of furniture to prevent a water ring.

While rosemary plants can grow in poor soil and prefer to be kept slightly on the dry side, you should water it frequently, especially when it’s warm. To prevent root rot, do not let the roots sit in water. Rosemary does not like to have its leaves wet, so misting or washing of the plant is not recommended. Only fertilize the plant when it shows signs of needing it.

About Schubert Nursery

Eris discovers the story of Schubert Nursery, which began with Fred Schubert, a Volkswagen van, a tiny space in Half Moon Bay and a desire for quality and innovation in the early 1960s.

Deck Your Halls

Use your plant to add a warm decorative touch during the holidays.

ANDY GOLDSWORTHY :: Natural Architect by Allison G. Cohen

Allison G. Cohen, the Founder of Sightline, presents artist Andy Goldsworthy and three of his ephemeral art pieces that reflect the properties of nature.

History and Tradition of Rosemary

Learn more about rosemary - the symbolism, uses and inspriation.

Cooking with Rosemary

Learn how to use rosemary while you cook and enjoy three easy recipes - Rosemary Red Potatoes , Rosemary Tea and Grilling with Rosemary Skewers.

Come On-A My House

Celebrate the life of Rosemary Clooney, an inspired jazz singer who shares her life story in the book, Girl Singer. Or grab a glass of wine and relax to her greatest hits. Any stress will melt away within minutes.

For Your Health

Chicago-based writer Christopher Weber discusses the medicinal powers of Rosemary. Chris writes frequently about health and healthcare, examining medical issues through the eyes of ordinary folks. He is currently developing extended projects on cancer culture and on alternative medicine.

Perfectly Delightful :: A Field Triip to Ladew Gardens

Caroline takes a field trip to Maryland's Ladew Gardens, the estate of Harvey Ladew, a self-taught gardener, artist, foxhunter and world-traveler.

Harvesting, Storing, and Drying Rosemary

Discover what to do with the large rosemary bush growing in your garden.

Creating a Generous Legacy

In the ‘70s, Rosemary Hockney began raising money for families facing illness. When Rosemary lost her battle with colorectal cancer in 2004, her son Michael knew exactly what to do. He started The Rosemary A. Hockney Memorial Foundation, which provides assistance to children of families whose lives have been affected by cancer. In addition to offsetting costs associated with tuition, medical bills and funeral expenses, the Michigan-based non-profit has funded memory-making experiences such as Disney vacations and family portraits. Be inspired at rosehockneyfoundation.com.

Rosemary Remembrance Wreath

Decorate this rosemary rememberance wreath with the name or names of loved ones that you have lost. Consider focusing on one person and adding their defining characteristics.

Make A Wreath

Honor the memory of your loved one by making an actual rosemary remembrance wreath. Form heavy gauge wire into the shape of a circle about eight inches in diameter. Bind slender sprays of rosemary to the frame with florists’ wire. Decorate the rosemary wreath with dried flowers and herbs. Or use strips of decorative paper with his or her name written in calligraphy. Finish with a decorative bow that is the person’s favorite color.

Resources

• Andy Goldsworty
• Christopher Weber
• Cybercucina
• For Your Health
• Fresh Market
• FreshTopiary
• GardenWinds
• Ladew Gardens
• Rosemary Clooney Palladium
• The Rosemary Hockney Memorial Foundation
• Schubert Nursery
• Sightline
• Smith and Hawken

Blog Updates for Issue Five

Check out the latest updates and join our online conversations related to topics covered in Issue Five.