The herb assessment
This week time has been scarce as I have done my monthly job of editing St Thomas’s monthly newsletter, Crossroads. Getting to the top of my to do list is The Herb Assessment. This is the state of death and survival among the herbs. The Basil has gone - frosted out of existence. The Rocket is bolting and making a lovely display of white flowers prior to seeding. 
The three varieties of Sage are looking pitiful. The Marjoram and Oregano are doing OK and the Garlic Chives are mysterious 
but the Mint and the Italian Parsley are exuberant. Somewhere underneath them is the Pennyroyal holding its own and beside them all a struggling Thyme. 
In the vege garden, the traditional Parsley planted with the Silver Beet is doing well. 
I think the pot of Red Onions is OK 
- but please can someone tell me how to tell when things that grow under the ground like Garlic, Onions and Potatoes are ready for harvest.
