Rosemary - The Herb of Remembrance

By Karen England “The Sunshine Gardener” Rosemary is a beautiful herb that grows wonderfully here in Encinitas, Cardiff and Solana Beach. Listed in plant guides as a “tender” perennial since it does not like snow and harsh winters, it is, for us a “hardy” perennial - growing large and old, with no cold weather to check its growth

Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean coast, and the botanical name, Rosmarinus officinalis, means “dew of the sea” referring to its affinity for moist marine air. The English word means “Rose of Mary” alluding to the legends surrounding the herb and the nativity. These legends have given rosemary the association as “The herb of Christmas” which is very appropriate since it makes beautiful and fragrant Christmas wreaths and garlands. It is, however, most notably known as “the herb of remembrance” because of a quote from Shakespeare that says “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance - pray you, love, remember.” 

Historically rosemary has been meaningfully used for decorations at weddings, funerals and other celebrations. Recently, in the wake of the terrorist attacks on our country, I took a large floral arrangement of rosemary with an American flag to decorate my local library and attached the quote from Shakespeare for those who aren’t aware of this ancient herb and its historical meanings and uses.

There are two types of rosemary, low growing (prostrate) and upright and all varieties prefer full sun. Both types are worth growing and there are many variations of both types. Typically, rosemary blooms are a lovely blue color but there are varieties that flower in pinks and white.

I love the flavor of rosemary and use it in much of my cooking. I use long, straight stems of upright rosemary that have been cleaned of all but the top inch of needles in place of bamboo skewers in shish kebab. I chop the removed needles and add them to marinades and salad dressings. I also use fresh rosemary in marinara sauce and in the cavity of roast chicken with delicious results.

Do you have a question for “The Sunshine Gardener”? Does your club, organization or church group need a speaker? If so, Karen England can be reached at www.Edgehillherbfarm.com.