GREEN PAGE
Rosemary (Labiatae)
Rosmarinus officianalis
Rosemary, usually associated with the summer herb
garden, but makes a wonderful scented perennial evergreen hedge, and can be enjoyed winter
and summer.
In Victorian times Rosemary was used to border
formal flower and rose beds, much like Lavender because, of its insect repellent
qualities. It was also used in the sick room to purify and cool the air. During the great
plague, it was carried in pouches and sniffed when traveling through infected areas as it
also has disinfectant properties. In some Mediterranean villages still, linen is dried
over the Rosemary bush to utilize its pungent scent and moth repellent properties.
Rosemary can grow up to 6ft tall, depending on the
variety of which there are many; Prostratus, as it implies, is a prostrate form, beautiful
in cracks and crevices in the patio, so when trodden on, exudes a glorious scent. The
upright form "M/s Jessop’s Upright", looks good as a freestanding shrub, or
hedging.
Rosemary retains its best flavor when dried, for
culinary use; this makes it easy to use in soups, stews and stuffing, but always
sparingly! It is better to crumble leaves, as some can be coarse. Mix with cream and add
to fruit puree or mousse, having first pounded with sugar. Place fresh leaves in the oven
when baking bread to impart flavor. Rosemary is particularly good with roast meats like
lamb and pork. Sprinkle over meat before roasting, and it is said to aid the digestion of
fats. It can also be added, fresh, to oils and vinegar for dressings, again sparingly.
A poultice of bread and fresh leaves aids healing;
i.e. bruises, aches, pains, sprains and torn ligaments, as it is said to increase blood
supply, thus improving circulation. If using refreshing Rosemary oils, use very carefully
with carrier oil, never solo on skin, as the best oils are very potent and strong. A few
drops added to the bath water is invigorating. Rosemary can be burned in your oil burner,
4-5 drops in water, to deter flies in summertime.
STAPLESTOWN AREA NOTES
SALE OF WORK
The recent Sale of Work in aid of Chernobyl children
in Hortolova orphanage raised £879. This includes a donation of £50 forma generous man
and another donation of £50 – this time from a lady.
Many thanks to those who helped in any way at all,
including those who helped transport larger items and a young man in Staplestown who
carried lots of boxed items into the hall on Saturday evening.
Thanks also to St. Kevin’s committee for allowing us the use of
the hall and especially to Alice for ensuring everything was set up in the "coffee
room".
STAPLESTOWN COOLERAGH LADIES JUNIOR FOOTBALL
Training continues each Wednesday 6.30 – 7.30
p.m. in St. Kevin’s grounds.
New members are always welcome.
LOTTO
St. Kevin’s/Coill dubh lotto now stands at
£2000. Buy a ticket and take your chance on being £2000 richer this summer.
LIBRARY
The mobile library will visit Staplestown (at the
school car park on Thursday 1st June and Thursday 15th June from 11.50 a.m. – 12.30
p.m.
CAN RECYCLING
We note with delight that one of the can banks in
Staplestown is full and the 2nd is half full. Hopefully the 2nd bank will be full before
the summer holidays.
So carry on recycling, everyone, and help to keep
your local area free from cans thrown on the roadside.
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