GARDEN SURROUNDINGS: Borage, All Things Summer, Mom And Apple Pie!

k-england
Jul 1
3 min read

By Francesca Filanc, for Let’s Talk Plants! July 2025.

Salad with borage from the garden. Photo credit: Francesca Filanc.

Borage, All Things Summer, Mom and Apple Pie!

(Left) Mama, Pat Welsh, garden writer and television personality. You can buy her books used online (Southern California gardening a month-by-month Guide completely revised and updated). (Right) The author.

Mama, Pat Welsh, was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK. Borage grew wild in her grandparents’ gardens, and in the countryside. Years ago, in this country mama was given a plant, and it has grown wild in her garden ever since. A friend of mine gave me some borage seeds a couple of years ago, and the plant comes up every year. It has many beneficial uses; medicinal and culinary. It is a delicious and delightfully beautiful addition to any salad, cake, or other desserts. It tastes a little bit like celery and has a delicate deep blue purple flower.

The herb Borage, Borago officinalis, also known as starflower, has a rich history of both medicinal and culinary uses. Historically, it was believed to inspire courage and cheerfulness and was even thought to be an ingredient in the mythical potion of forgetfulness. Today, it's recognized for its high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, particularly in the seed oil, which is used to address skin issues like eczema and sun damage and may also be beneficial in cancer treatments. The leaves and flowers are also edible, adding a cucumber-like flavor to salads, soups, and drinks.

Medicinal Uses:

• Historically:

Borage was traditionally used to treat depression, mental illness, fevers, and even poisonings. It was also believed to increase courage and was given to soldiers.

• Modern Uses:

Borage seed oil, rich in GLA, is used for skin health, including eczema and sun damage. It may also be helpful in cancer treatments, particularly for breast, brain, and prostate cancers. Additionally, borage has anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

• Other Uses:

Borage is also used to address adrenal insufficiency, increase urine flow, and promote sweating. Some traditional uses also include treating bronchitis, colds, and increasing milk production.

Culinary Uses:

• Leaves: Borage leaves have a cucumber-like flavor and can be added to salads, soups, and stews. They can also be used to flavor drinks and even stuffed into ravioli.

• Flowers: Borage flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish or added to salads and drinks. They are also sometimes candied.

• Seed Oil: Borage seed oil is used in cooking and as a supplement.

Historical Significance:

• Ancient Beliefs:

The Celts believed borage brought courage, and the Romans associated it with Homer's Nepenthe, a potion to forget sorrows.

• Medieval Times:

In medieval Europe, borage was known as the "Herb of Gladness" and was believed to cheer the soul and relieve melancholy.

• Folklore:

There are many legends and folklore stories surrounding borage, highlighting its perceived ability to uplift spirits and bring joy.

The gardenias have popped! Photo credit: Francesca Filanc.

Yum! Apple pie hot from the oven. Photo and baking credit: Francesca Filanc.

My grandchildren are coming this summer from Spain to visit. Plus, my daughter, who lives in the Bay Area is coming with her kids the first week in July. I will be making apple pie for the family. I have written about making apple pies before, here are the links...

GARDEN SURROUNDINGS: Mom and Apple Pie!

GARDEN SURROUNDINGS: Saving Frogs Lives And Making Apple Pie From Home-Grown Apples

I have written about gardenias and apple pies before as well ...

GARDEN SURROUNDINGS: Apple Pies, Gardenias And Passion Flowers

Speaking of gardenias; the gardenias have popped out. "First Love" is 12 feet tall now and I have about 40 blossoms. Here's another article I've written about gardenias...

GARDEN SURROUNDINGS: Gardenias; My "First Love"

https://youtu.be/BZY13bqUJGU?si=CS5fYYGLMl5MPWiB

Please check out my YouTube channel "Live the Life You Envision with Fran" and leave a comment if you’d like - that would be great! Thanks. Coming soon: I will be making videos for my YT channel that will be about making apple pie and lemon meringue pie using apples and lemons from my garden.

Enjoy July and all the fruit that’s coming ripe in your gardens. I’m looking forward to having family here. The plums and the cherry plums are not ripe yet but will be soon...