Pages

Sage



Sage (Salvia officinalis) is probably best known as the herb for stuffing.  In addition to stuffing, sage is great in pasta sauce, sausages, breads, and with vegetable such as carrots.  Sage dries easily especially in my dry climate. Sage can also be frozen for later use.  Depending on the weather you may be able to harvest some fresh sage for your Thanksgiving stuffing.

Sage, Salvia officinalis

Sage grows as a small shrub and attracts bees to its beautiful blue flowers.  In addition to the typical sage as pictured above, sage also comes in other varieties and colors including Golden – with leaves splashed with golden yellow, Purple – leaves of purple and green, and Tricolor – leaves of white, green, and purple. 


Golden Sage
Golden, Purple Sage, and Tricolor Sage all have the same scent and flavor as typical culinary sage.  Planting them can add more diversity to the landscape.  The leaves can be used as a garnish or to add color to appetizers.

Tricolor Sage




Purple Sage


Their relative, Pineapple Sage Salvia elegans, is a tender perennial which I grow in a pot and bring inside over winter.  As the name suggests, the leaves have a pineapple scent and flavor which goes well with fruit drinks and fruit salads. Pineapple Sage also has a brilliant red flower. Other than Pineapple Sage, the sages mentioned are drought tolerant.

Pineapple Sage, Salvia elegans

Landscaping For Pets

When planning a landscape (or houseplants) when you have pets consider how what you plant may affect them.  Some plants are toxic to pets. I would especially be careful with dogs since they tend to eat almost anything.


Egyptian Walking Onion
Grapes and raisins - poisonous to dogs and cats.  Damage the kidneys.

Avocados -poisonous to most species but especially birds.  Damages the heart muscle.

Garlic and onions - poisonous to dogs and cats. Damage to red blood cells.

Macadamia nuts - poisonous to dogs.  Muscle and nervous system problems.

Chocolate - poisonous to most species but mostly dogs.  Nervous system and heart. 


Pet Safe Foods - for dogs and cats

Apples
Peas
Green beans
Popcorn - no salt, butter, GMO
Carrots
Sweet Potatoes
Pumpkin
Zucchini
Squash
Lettuce
Blueberries

For more information or if you have a pet poisoning contact the Pet Poison Helpline
or ASPCA Poison Control 

More toxic plant information 

Chickens for pets?  Here is a seed mix for chickens!