Borage, A Courageous Companion Plant

The Blue Star of a Borage Flower

We planted this fuzzy-leafed plant to lure in bees and ward off the dreaded tomato hornworm.  So far, we’ve only had one hornworm, a vast improvement over last year when to pick a fully-ripe tomato you risked a slimy mess  from worm destruction.

Borage is widely eaten as a vegetable, but it has an ancient history in the art of war.  According to Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs:

“Ancient Celtic warriors preparing for battle drank wine flavored with borage to give them courage.  Their fears would vanish and they would feel elated.  (It was probably the wine)”

As for us, we can all use a little courage.  Gardening is not for the faint of heart.

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