The Marigold

Let's turn the spotlight to the all-star of my garden, the humble marigold. "Marigold" can actually refer to a number of plants, but most are within either the genus calendula or the genus tagetes.

Marigolds can be annual or perennial and, for those of you who learned this embarassingly late like I did: annuals complete their lifecycle from seed to death on a (you guessed it!) annual basis; perennials complete their lifecycle from seed to death over the course of multiple years, and often do not bloom/fruit in their first year. This does not mean that annuals must be repurchased each year - rather, that their return relies on successful germination of dropped seeds.

My favor lies with the species tagetes patula, more commonly referred to as the French marigold (ironically, native to Mexico and Central America). This annual blooms with hermaphroditic florets and is known for its prolific spreading habits. The scent is pungent and, while pleasant to me, is off-putting to deer and rabbits. Marigold essential oil blends beautifully with sandalwood oil to produce the perfume "attar genda."

While her flower petals are dried and used as a powdered spice throughout eastern Europe, a flavorful tea can be brewed from her leaves. Her roots have antibacterial properties, her oil acts as an antifungal, and her scent deters mammalian garden pests. In sum, you want this leading lady at the front and center of your garden.

With love,

E