Clippings From The Grove
by Spaewife Pawale

I've been chosen to write about the various plants of Elanthia. A great many herbs discussed in this column will not be herbs commonly encountered by most Elanthian travellers.

Too many discussions of acantha leaf and cactacae spine have already been made.I don't plan on parroting back research and tales that have already been written and available.

Each issue I will try to write about one or two herbs or plants found around and about their uses, either historically or or otherwise.

[Editors' Note: Sometimes, the history of the herbs might be the real-world history of said herb.]

I may even toss in a recipe, with common Elanthian ingredients, or two or three or... none. If it ain't edible I ain't doing a recipe -- so there.

Wintergreen
It's winter, and this plant is evergreen -- but that is not the only reason I chose it (O.K. maybe it is. I like to talk about green things). Wintergreen is a beautiful little shrub that prefers moist, but not swampy ground, and can usually found in forested areas. From the tiny white bell shaped flowers to the bright red berry-like fruit, it is a unique and special plant.

History
Wintergreen has lost a good deal of its historical use, though the spicy aromatic scent remains. Used in the past for medicine, flavoring, and aromatics, wintergreen has now primarily become a plant of the wilds once again.

Common uses of Wintergreen:
Wintergreen berries can made into a tea, (hence it's other name, teaberry), and can be used to soothe a cold or stuffed nose.

The leaves and berries boiled in water, drained, and blended with honey produce a syrup that can be used year round.

A blend of strong wintergreen tea mixed with an equal amount of sugar, make a delectable candy.

A blending of wintergreen with the sap of some trees can make a gum of sorts for freshening the breath.

A few branches in an arrangement make a wonderful decoration for a home and the scent will titillate the senses.

It is said that the chewing of the sap of the plant before business transactions will bring favor to the business person, though I suspect, that it's more a case of their breath not making the person they were dealing with run and hide from the less than favorable exhalation.

Fennel
What can I say, I love this plant not for its seeds but for its graceful form. The feathery wispy leaves remind me of down (in an odd sort of way, no comments about my own oddness). The combination of shades of green from medium to dark and the rare but beautiful bronze shades that enchant and draw the eye in any garden. While the plant fronds are wispy and graceful, the seed umbels are tall and stately, and crowned first with tiny yellow flowers then later tipped with seeds. It is a rambunctious grower, and will survive virtually anywhere it's placed or not placed. It likes to share. Let it go to seed and you'll find out what I mean.

History
Fennel is at times referred to as "faerie fern." Those who have encountered faeries have remembered the smell of fennel not just from their breath but from their very pores, though I suspect their contact has been more from the nipping of drink then falling into a local garden, face first.

Common uses of Fennel
Medicinally, fennel has been used for digestive problems, used as flavoring and for its medicinal value in meat and breads.

Chewing on the seeds will freshen the breath and aid in digestion. It has a light anise taste.

The bulbous base is usually overlooked, but is delicious as a side dish. Sliced thin, then sautéed with a bit of ham or bacon renderings until translucent, fennel makes a delightful addition to any meal.