28 SEPTEMBER 1945, Page 14

In My Garden , The English householder is, as a

rule perhaps, a little remiss in the drying of herbs, as the gardener in growing them. Dried herbs are a great standby in the winter (as indeed are the dried—not dehydrated- champignons dear to the French peasant). On the other hand—in this sausage age—herbs, especially sage (which is a lovely plant), are being used more and more by butchers. In the great variety of half-neglected herbs I have a particular liking for hyssop, which has an individual scent of its own, somewhere between thyme and mint. It is perennial; does not

go leggy l be like neglected thyme, and dries well. Doubtless the most delectably scented is balm, but it becomes a:weedy nuisance. W. BEACH THOMAS.