Rue is the eccentric old aunt of the herb family. When you lean in to greet her with a hug, she kisses you full on the mouth, leaving you shocked by her intensity. Your attempts at small talk are met with Shakespearean wit and exotic tales of far away and long ago in the ancient language of terpenoids: lime, pine, and cumin. You may want to feel sorry for poor aunt Rue, thinking her archaic and forgotten, but she is no shrinking violet or wallflower. She stands proud and erect, erudite in her role as protector and purger, reveling in her former days of bitter/sweet glory, waiting to be rediscovered.
In the gardens of my childhood, my mother planted herbs among the flowers. The border that flanked the entrance to our house contained perennials as well as parsley, chives, and thyme for cooking, and chamomile and lemon balm for tea. I never understood the purpose of the strange-smelling plant that she referred to as herba ruta and why it held the place of honor by the door. I never thought to ask.
My mother encouraged my interest in gardening and one year I was allowed to plant in the flower and herb border. I decided to dig up the Rue and move it to the far end of the garden in order to showcase the peony in its spot. The next day, the peony had been moved and the Rue was back in its original position. Again, I didn't ask.
When I moved into my first house, my mother showed up with something wrapped in wet newspaper. I wondered why she was bringing me a fish. I was puzzled when she revealed a freshly-dug Rue plant. This time, I asked.
According to my mother, and Portuguese folklore, herba ruta planted by a house's entrance will keep evil spirits from crossing the threshold.
So far, so good…
My mother encouraged my interest in gardening and one year I was allowed to plant in the flower and herb border. I decided to dig up the Rue and move it to the far end of the garden in order to showcase the peony in its spot. The next day, the peony had been moved and the Rue was back in its original position. Again, I didn't ask.
When I moved into my first house, my mother showed up with something wrapped in wet newspaper. I wondered why she was bringing me a fish. I was puzzled when she revealed a freshly-dug Rue plant. This time, I asked.
According to my mother, and Portuguese folklore, herba ruta planted by a house's entrance will keep evil spirits from crossing the threshold.
So far, so good…
