Hey, Mom

My sister lives in a neighborhood where it is against the rules to have an outdoor clothesline. It would be too unsightly, I guess.

Growing up, I can’t remember living in a house without a clothesline in the backyard. My mother hung everything out, including towels and jeans. I’ll admit, I do put those in the dryer, but if it’s a breezy day, towels will dry very well on the line.

My favorite thing about hanging clothes outside is the great smell, especially in spring.

Planting fresh herbs in even the smallest sunny soil near your house is well worth the effort. One of the most simple and easy herbs to grow is parsley. Cutting during the summer encourages more growth, so use it often. Chop and add to stews, sauces, even salads. Fresh parsley potatoes are wonderful.

For me, nothing beats fresh basil. Basil is a very tender herb and won’t withstand a frost, so cherish it in summer while you can. Add fresh basil to the very end of cooked recipes for the strongest flavor. But also, don’t be afraid to use it raw with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese.

This year I will plant thyme, mint (for some homemade mojitos), and basil. My parsley came back from last year, a pleasant surprise. And my perennial chives can always be counted on to add a gentle onion-y flavor to many dishes.

Herbs are easily grown in containers on a sunny deck or patio, too. So even if you don’t have a great big garden, grow your own herbs and add wonderful flavor to your cooking this summer. Oh, and I forgot to mention that you will also be saving a lot of money by not buying packaged “fresh” herbs in the store.