Rosemary is used as a decorative plant in gardens and has many culinary and medical uses. The plant is said to improve the memory, and is a symbol of remembrance at weddings and funerals. The leaves are used to flavor various foods, like stuffings and roast lamb, pork, chicken and turkey, as well as barbeque. Rosemary contains antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, some of which may be useful in preventing or treating cancers, strokes, and Alzheimer's Disease.
Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean area and to Asia, and can withstand prolonged droughts. It can grow quite large and retain attractiveness for many years, can be pruned into formal shapes and low hedges, and has been used for topiary. It is easily grown in pots, and since it may not be reliably hardy in this area, it is recommended that you plant it in a container which can be brought inside, at least into a sunny garage window for some protection, in winter.
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