Artemesia
Debra Hultgren
Artemesia
My start in the world of herbs began in the 1970’s with the discovery of Capriland’s Herb Farm in Coventry, Connecticut. Owned by the magnificent Adelma Simmons, it was a place of wonder for me, filled with magical gardens, each creatively displaying herbs and flowers. Among the many wondrous plant varieties displayed at Caprilands were the Artemesias. Adelma Simmons wrote about them frequently in her many publications and in some detail in The Silver Garden. She used this family of plants extensively around her house, barns and gardens and because they dry so well, they could also be found hanging in bunches in the barn.
Without question, my favorite is Silver King, Artemesia ludoviciana, not only for its “growing season” appearance in my gardens, but for its use later on as a dried plant. Harvested before the small grey flowers fully open, it can be hung in bunches in an airy place. The oils in the plant keep it reasonably supple once dried and help it from crumbling when being handled for wreath making or other arrangements. The dried plant tops work up well into wreaths that could be displayed any time of the year but are beautiful at Christmas time, decorated with winter holiday ribbons and ornaments. Once made up, these wreaths can last for years if not knocked around too much.
Silver King is a very easy perennial to grow, requiring only moderately fertile, well-drained soil and as much sun as possible. It does need some space as it travels underground with mint-like runners, increasing the bed size annually. However, it is easy to dig up sections of the roots and move the plants into pots to give away or for establishing a bed in another garden.
Like all the Artemesias, Silver King has medicinal and culinary uses. I will address this in a future blog. For today’s purposes enjoy the photos.
Information about Adelma Simmons can be found throughout the web including on Wikipedia. Her books are still found in used book sales and also on Amazon through their resell service.
Silver King in the garden
Dried branch of Silver King