Herbs - Rosemary

Rosemary is a small bush, and it needs pruning to stop growing too much, although it tends to flop sideways rather than grow tall. Be careful not to cut into old wood, as that doesn't seem to regrow new shoots.

The flowers are attractive to bees and other insects, like many herbs.

The song Scarborough Fair has a chorus of "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme". In Hamlet, Shakespeare says "Rosemary, that's for rememberance".

Rosemary is used for flavouring, particularly with lamb, although it is part of general mixed herb recipes as well. The leaves have a strong, pleasant scent when crushed slightly.

Rosemary bush

After pruning

Flowers

Hoverfly on flowers

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