What an inspiring article! Im going to try to grow crocus, it didn't know it would grow in my area (Zone 8)

I recently found a stone (granite I think) mortar and pestle. I use it almost every time I cook, for cumin seed, cinnamon sticks, or crushing red chile peppers. I clean it with baking soda mixed with coarse salt, followed by scalding hot water.

I was in Southern Calif. back in the 60s also, and you bring back memories of the 'flower children' back in those days. But in Tennessee there is another community of hippies from the 60s -- at the Farm. I understand they are still in operation.

Thanks, Hazel. Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end. I guess I was half-Hippie and half-other.

Yes, the Farm is still going strong down in Summerville, TN. I keep my eye on them. In fact, they are having a Permaculture Apprenticeship course beginning this month. They repeat it yearly. I know that's a topic near and dear to your heart. Here's what they say about it:

"April 8 to June 12: Practical permaculture in one of the nation's oldest ecovillages. Learn straw, cob, earthbag, turf roofs, bamboo, thatch, clay plaster, adobe, alis, and food self-reliance at the Farm community."


Is your mortar/pestle smaller or larger like a Molcajete?

What an interesting article! May have to try some of these. I had no idea paprika was made from red bell peppers! I love paprika and I HATE bell peppers!

Thanks, woofie. Sounds like my DH ... he loves ketchup but won't eat tomatoes at all.

Very interesting and informative article! I also did not know that paprika came from peppers!

Thank you, Brenda.

Mee too,didnt know that...and a lot of other things here....great great read Carole,so glad you poked me...hehehe..i love reading all the remarks too...

I just started growing some herbs,grew Cayenne peppers last year,beautiful..dried and ground them up in the processor,yummie

store bought Basil a waste of $5..yes dried

I bought a nice bigg pot of pizza herbs ...dont ask what it has sage,rosemary,thyme....no parsley.. made me think of hippies...simon and garfunkle...
it was a deal anyway like $3 it had been $16...soo Id better read the tag..

Looks like they are good growers too.

Great stuff here...Love It..

There you go. You have gorgeous flower gardens and now will have success with your herbs as well, I'm sure. And maybe a few spices too. Well, you had/have some of the peppers already.

I like hearing which ones have been successful in different locations and conditions. Thanks for taking the time to read and post. Always something new to learn, isn't there.