When you hear the word ‘basil’, you immediately think of FOOD! Basil is probably one of the best known culinary herbs and no good cook would ever be without it. The scent from a bruised basil leaf is a wonderful preview of the taste to come. Basil complements garlic and so it is used extensively in Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

Did you know that a pot of basil growing on a windowsill will repel flies?

Did you know that a pinch of dried, powdered basil will restore your sense of smell (lost due to stuffiness and nasal congestion) when used as snuff?

Did you know that a few fresh basil leaves, steeped in wine for a few hours, make a good tonic?

Did you know that dried basil leaves, infused into a tea, is an aid to digestion?

And on top of all that, basil is a pretty plant that provides you with tasty leaves and a nice soft lavender blossom. Basil comes in many forms and even in colors other than green. Opal Basil is a deep maroon color that contrasts nicely with the common green basil when grown in your garden.