The Sage Garden: Flowers & Foliage for Health & Beauty [Hardcover]

If, when you think of sage, you think only of the bottle of dried herbs on your spice rack, you're missing out on the wide variety of wonders in the Salvia family. "Since ancient times, sage has been associated with at least the restoration of health and, in many cases, the healing of mind, body, and spirit," says Ann Lovejoy, author, columnist, and gardening school proprietor. In addition, many sages make beautiful ornamental borders as they flower in all shades of the color spectrum.

Beginning with a comprehensive introduction of the history and uses of sage, Lovejoy then moves on to the different types of sage. Meadow sages, which are the easiest to grow for most people, are lovely to look at and can hold their own mixed in with other plants, shrubs, or herbs. For each type of meadow sage, Lovejoy explains how they do in a garden, with which plants they form pleasing partnerships, and lists the named forms of that variety. She does the same in the following chapters and sections on sages for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, in addition to classic border sages, bedding sages, dry-country sages, late-blooming sages, culinary sages, and scented sages. The last two chapters are devoted to cooking and making crafts with sage. For a traditional tonic tea, simply steep sage in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, drain, and add honey to taste. Insert fresh common sage under the skin of a whole chicken for an aromatic and flavorful roast chicken, or use pineapple sage in a sorbet for a sweet and mellow dessert.

In The Sage Garden, Lovejoy not only shares her extensive knowledge, she also infuses each page with her love for the herb. The photographs by Grey Crawford are simple and evocative. The two merge in a paean to the ancient herb. --Dana Van Nest

In the tradition of Lavender Garden, this sumptuously photographed book offers a practical approach to cultivating sage in any climate. Garden expert Ann Lovejoy profiles here her favorite varieties and provides straightforward counsel on cultivating sage that will thrive in your particular climate and garden. From the decorative, wild blooms of the Jame sage to the mild and sweet pineapple sage, she explains which sages are for drying, which are for cooking, and which are simply meant to be enjoyed in the garden. She then demonstrates how to harvest leaves, collect seeds, and distill the essence of sage to get the most out of the plant. Once you've harvested your bounty, turn to the sections for health, beauty, and tantalizing culinary recipes which are sure to inspire both the chef and apothecary in you.

Ann Lovejoy is a columnist for the Seattle Post Intelligencer, a recipient of the American Horticultural Society Writing Award, and author of many books, including Tea Gardens. She lives in Bainbridge Island, Washington.Grey Crawford's photographs have been featured in Metropolitan Home, Esquire, Food & Wine, Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, and The Mediterranean Cookbook. He lives in Southern California.