Marjoram
Knotted or Knot Marjoram are alternative names for Sweet Marjoram as the tiny white flowers appear in tight clusters or knots. The pale green leaves are very aromatic with a lovely flavour. The leaves are good for drying as they retain both the flavour and scent. Sweet Marjoram is grown as an annual
For a perennial choose the hardy Pot Marjoram. This slightly larger plant also has green aromatic leaves that form a mat in the winter. In the summer the plants are covered with purple flowers.
Both are very useful nectar plants for a wide range of beneficial insects – including bees. Use the leaves to flavour pizza, meat and tomato dishes, omelettes and adding to stuffing. Sweet Marjoram goes well with fish whilst the stronger flavour of Pot Marjoram makes it a very useful ingredient of bouquet garni.
I wrote about oregano in August of this year: marjoram is a very close relative and can be used wherever a recipe asks for oregano. All prefer to grow in full sun in a rich and well drained soil and seeds should be started off in the spring. These are lovely herbs to grow near a garden seat where brushing them releases their aroma whilst their flowers make them a decorative choice for the edge of a border.