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Herbs by Common or Folk name 'E'
Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea
 Echinacea - purpurea is an important medicinal herb to have in your garden.
Not only is it a pleasure to grow, its uses are limitless.
We use the roots to stimulate the immune system and promote healing.
Its most common use is to ward off the onset of the common cold and to alleviate the effects of a sore throat.
Parts Used: Roots and leaves of a two year old plant.
50+ seeds $3.50
Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
 This is a beautiful deciduous shrub that will be evergreen in a warmer climate. It never really goes to sleep here but slows down.
The creamy white flowers herald the onset of spring and by summer the wine coloured berries are everywhere.
It germinates moderately easily but patience is required as the strike rate is inconsistent.
30 seeds $3.50
Eggplant (Turkish)
Solanum integrifolium
 Turkish Orange.
Unusual, brilliant orange fruits are great for stuffing. Sweet and fragrant when freshly cut.
The tomato sized fruits are best eaten when slightly orange with green striping.
Once fruits turn red the skins will be bitter. The vigorous bush bears many fruits.
20 + seeds
$3.50
Eggplant (Finger)
Solanum melogena
 Just like the standard Aubergine but in a more manageable size.
The same seductive glossy deep violet skin that is so impressive in the vegetable garden. The fruit itself is slightly more mild and is best picked when young or just before full maturity.
Easy to strike from seed and not too demanding in the garden.
They will grow in large pots but need more constant attention.
20+ seeds $3.50
Epazote
Chenopodium ambrosioides
 This is a very distinctive herb that is mostly used as a spice as it does give Mexican food that authentic taste.
It grows to about 60cm in height, is nicely bushy, loves full sun and well drained soil and will cope with drying out a little if left unattended. In cooler climates it should be treated as an annual but in Queensland and most of New South Wales it will live for several years.
We have found that if grown in a normally fertilised garden situation, the aroma is quite pleasant and unique.
Wildcrafted Epazote (as is commonly purchased) is much stronger in smell, probably a result of it's reaction to impoverished soil. Too strong for us.
It self seeds very easily and can become a weed it not maintained, as will many herbs.
50 + Seeds $3.50
Evening Primrose
Oenothera biennis
 The roots and tops can be boiled in honey to give a soothing cough syrup but it's finest properties are in the oil from the seeds that we use to lower blood pressure, relieve eczema and arthritis and improve the skin.
All in all we would not be without it and plant new seed six months into the old season so that the garden never is bare of Evening Primrose.
This herb not only will survive in impoverished soils but the oil quality is improved by poor soil.
30
fresh seeds $3.50
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