Gardening Note 1: Mustard

Mustard greens are very popular in China for stir-fry, and mostly used cooked. The oriental mustards are a very large group of rather coarse-leaved brassicas, usually having a spicy flavour. The main advantage for the gardener is that they are very robust, tolerating a wide range of soil types, and most are exceptionally hardy, ideal for winter.

Oriental Mustards add tastes and textures to your mixed salads, sandwiches and garnishes and also stir fries. Pick the nutritious leaves of Oriental Mustards as you need them. It is also ideal to grow in containers on the patio. Fresh greens are a good source of provitamin A, vitamins C and K, and folate. 

Gardening Note 2: Don't Bite More than You can Swallow

One very important principle is to only make your garden as big as you are able to still enjoy it. Nothing kills enthusiasm like failure. Start out by planting a small area or a few pots and as you get more familiar with everything, then expand and add a bit more.

Select herbs, vegetables and plants that you will use on a regular basis. This will naturally keep the plants short and bushy as you harvest and use the different parts of the plants.

Gardening Note 3: Colds and Flu

The time to treat a cold is when you don't have it! Prevention is always better than cure. However the same herbs that keep colds and flu at bay, will also help you get rid of it faster.

Sage is a traditional remedy of long standing for soothing sore throats as it has antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. For an inflamed throat and hoarseness use a hot sage infusion or gargle with a sage, apple cider vinegar and honey mix. In feverish conditions, sage is very cooling. Take as a tea or tincture.

Yarrow has anti-inflammatory properties, and a hot yarrow tea will promote sweating. Many herbalists consider yarrow to be one of the principle herbal remedies for fever, feverish colds and flu. It is often taken in combination with elderflower and peppermint. Or try adding a strong infusion of yarrow and camomile to a warm bath.

Peppermint is a valuable expectorant* in the treatment of bronchitis, colds and flu. It reduces fevers by inducing sweating and cooling the body. It is also a painkiller for headaches and some migraines. It is a soothing decongestant and makes an effective inhalation for clearing blocked sinuses.

Gardening Note 4: Thyme to clean the home

Use fresh thyme from your garden and follow this easy recipe to have an effective herbal cleanser. Using lemon thyme will add a fresh, clean fragrance.

• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 handful thyme (fresh or dried)
• Vinegar
• Liquid soap

Boil water, add thyme. Simmer for an hour over medium-low heat, covered. Cool, then strain. Pour the water into a spray bottle, top with white vinegar and liquid soap. Use as needed.