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There is no mystique about growing
herbs. They are plants that are to be found in most gardens these days.
Many herbs are now grown for their ornamental use in the garden, and not
for their herbal qualities.
Lavender, Rosemary, Bergamot,
Hypericum, Salvias, Foxgloves and Evening Primroses are just a few of
the herbs that are to be found growing in many gardens for their
ornamental use, without any thought being given to their herbal
qualities.
For the widest range of plants and
colours throughout the year, a more informal garden tends to be the
norm. Informal herb gardens normally allow for greater choice of size
shape and seasonal colour. With the formal herb gardens, one is normally
restricted to smaller herbs - and perhaps fewer varieties to use. |
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You may have already decided whether
or not the whole garden is to be turned into a herb garden, or just a
section of it. For the most part, it will be just a matter of choice of
what herbs to grow. However, there are a few design criteria to adopt,
whatever the plot!
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If the herb garden is to act as a
source of culinary material for everyday cooking, then the edible
herbs are best nearer to the kitchen - maybe even in pots, so that
they can be bought to hand dependent upon the season. Sages for the
winter cooking, whilst basil and chives are normally summer fares.
Herb gardens in pots are the best way in which to have herbs to hand
in season.
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Smaller plots can either be formal
shapes, or random shapes. There is no set rule. Draft Plans to
follow
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For maximum interest, a large area
should be targeted for turning into a herb garden.
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Do not be afraid to use herbs in
non-herb designated areas. For instance, the flowering Salvias are
to be seen in many herbaceous and shrub borders and are invaluable
for prolonging the flower season well into late autumn and beyond -
dependent upon climatic conditions.
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Plan the herb garden carefully.
Many herbs normally grow in dry, sunny conditions. Planting in rich
garden soil can increase their normal growth rate, and may allow
lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
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Be daring. Herb gardens do not
have to be without flower or foliage colour for much of the year.
older herb gardens tended to be based upon those herbs suited for
cooking, or perhaps medicinal use. There are many colourful herbs
available these days, so be adventurous. Maybe even a few of the
Mediterranean herbs can be used.
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Think in terms of herbs to use as
hedges. Lavender, Rosemary (Jessups Upright) and hyssop are
favourites for small hedges, but Bays (Laurus nobilis) can bake a
good clipped hedge at any height - and so very aromatic!
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Many herbs are deciduous, with
very little in the way of interest. Some are evergreen - such as
Lavender, Rosemary, Sages (Icterina and Tricolor) Thymes. List at
bottom.
Many herbs in common use are annuals -
they have to be grown from seed each year. Look on the labels and go for
perennials where needed. This is something to be borne in mind when you
make a herb garden. Together with this, some attractive herbs such as
purple Basil, are not winter hardy outdoors, so can either be bought in
during the winter or forfeited!
A herb bed, with Thymes, Basil and
Angelica
A classic Herb Garden - RHS Wisley Garden
2008
Tall Herbs
Bergamot, Angelica, Bay, Inula, Verbascum,
Rudbeckia, Echinacea, Salvias, Dill, Foxglove (NOT culinary) Comfrey
Medium Herbs
Basil, Salvias, Lavender, Rosemary,
Alliums, Oregano, Calendula, Phacelia, Borage,
Low herbs
Thymes assorted, Oreganums - low types
such as Thumbles Variety, Sedum, Dwarf Mint, Parsley, Echeveria.
General Advice on how to make a herb garden.
Back to A-Z of Herbs |
