Borage, a little known herb in North America, is a good plant, almost of hero status in the vegetable or flower garden. An attractive herb with blue, star shaped flowers, it attracts many gentle pollinators such as honeybees and bumblebees.

So many bees can be attracted to this flowering herb, also called the bee plant, one can even hear the buzz. It is an important herb, food source, for the pollinators, a population of insects which have been in serious decline for several years because of a lack of nutrients and habitat.

The herb, Borage is said to make tomatoes even taste better for some. But with all the bee activity around the flowers, which can open in late spring in many northern areas, it is sure to increase pollination and consequently more vegetables, like tomatoes, squash and peppers.

Borage, which originates from the Mediterranean region, is a highly regarded herb particularly in Spain. In many regions, the honey produced from fields of Borage is highly regarded for it's taste and light color.

The herb, Borage, is edible; the leaves and stems can be used in salad and have a mild cucumber flavor. Dried it can be used as a relaxing tea. The brilliant flowers can also be used in salads and are often used as a cake garnish or frozen in ice cubes and used to decorate drinks. The leaves can also be dipped in a batter and fried like a fritter for an unusual gourmet delight.

Borage is an easy herb to grow. The large black seeds can be planted in the spring and they usually sprout rather quickly depending on weather conditions. The herb is a rapid grower and can produce vibrant blue flowers in the matter of a few weeks.

Borage has another useful habit. It readily reseeds itself and new sprouts appear the following spring. These sprouts can be readily transplanted to areas where they are needed. Or, as Jack Frost threatens, the plant, which can reach upwards of 24 inches, can be cut down, and placed in an area where it can grow the following year. The seed will germinated.

Borage is a useful herb to consider in either the vegetable or flower garden. It is easy to grow, rather carefree and provides a stunning display of blue flowers. As many farmers, gardeners, researches and scientists become increasingly concerned about the decline in our native pollinators, this is one good herb to plant and grow.