Start your herb gardening with an award winner;  named the Herb of the Year in 2008!  This hardy medicinal herb is in the same family as the daisy and chrysanthemum - daisy-like flowers between 1 and 3",  growing to 2'.  Among herb plants with many uses, Calandulas are also considered a flowering annual for part sun thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. If planted in hotter regions, provide them with partial shade. 

Also known as 'Herb of the Sun', calandulas will bloom continuously in the right conditions.  This herb has a number of valuable uses, both in the home and garden.  Calendula is antiseptic, anti-fungal and has precursors for human hormones and Vitamin A, so is strongly recommended by many holistic healers and is used in herbal body care products. Taken internally, it can also be used to treat stomach pain, inflamed lymph nodes and liver conditions.  The flowers are edible, and add both a lovely addition to your salad as well as a shot of vitamin A!  Calandula also makes a wonderfully soothing tea.