Hi, @coindevil - yes, it was strange, stranger perhaps because the other recesses (which might have been for night lighting) were devoid of plant or other discernible life. Why that one? Why basil? Maybe you're right...perhaps it's an indicator herb. 😉

As for the glass, the word reminded me of a comic strip I used to read when I was a kid. It featured an anteater whose tongue would make a "zot!" sound whenever it caught an ant. I think. Unless my memory is deeply flawed, which is possible...I also loved the beer jester...😜😜