This bushy evergreen undershrub of the Labiate family is grown in some market gardens where the plants are rarely disturbed. Mitcham has always been a great Sage-growing centre, owing, no doubt, to the chalky nature of its subsoil, which is particularly suitable not only for Sage, but also for the production of the best Lavender. The grey-green leaves of Sage are largely used for seasoning. The young side and top shoots are selected for use just before the purple or whitish flowers expand, and when required for winter use they are tied in bunches and hung up to dry slowly in a shady, well-ventilated place. The chief method of propagation is by cuttings or slips of the ripened wood inserted in sandy soil in early autumn.