In the Bee and The Sun, February’s first herb is Bay. I have a splendid tree growing outside my conservatory and love to lean out and pick them for my sauces and stews, crushing them in my hand and sniffing their fragrant aroma. The flowers are much loved by bees and butterflies and, surprisingly, flower very early in the year.
The Greek word for Bay is ‘dhafni’, after the nymph Daphne who was changed into a bay laurel tree to protect her from the unwanted advances of Apollo. It was associated with courage and strength and was treasured by the Romans who wore sprigs as crowns to represent their high status.
