Herb garden design
Herb garden design
By: Edna McCallion
Topics:
Posted by editor Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
Viewed 2257 times
1 response 0 comments In spite of the recent snowfall we all hope that spring is just around the corner. It is a good time to make plans for your very own herb garden. With that in mind let us consider the design process in terms of the space available and the plants that will be useful to you.
The site is of primary importance because most perennial herbs need about eight hours of sun during the growing season and a good soil that drains well. A neutral soil is ideal but these hardy plants will not be deterred by hardship. As I have mentioned in previous columns they even taste better when made to struggle a bit.
The first step in planning is to outline the perimeter of the site with a rope, hose, or spray chalk. Observe how the sun and shadows from objects fall on the garden area. Keep in mind the movement of the sun on its axis to the north in the summer sky and determine where it will be from April to October. The shadow of a house, trees or other large objects will affect the amount of sun your chosen site gets so keep them in mind.
My mint garden (photo one) is in an area of partial shade all year long. The house protects the garden from scorching summer heat, devastating winter cold and evaporation of water. There is enough warmth projected on the garden to provide some fresh mint all year long. Most perennial herbs would not do well in this location but mint thrives with extra moisture and moderate heat.
Once you have determined the size, location and sun you have available for your herb garden you are ready to choose your plants. Are you interested in a cookin’, curin’, smellin’, theme or combination garden? The plants you really want to grow will help in this decision making process.
If your goal is kitchen oriented then you will want to grow the herbs you use for cooking. Medicinal herbs are a great “relief” but you must be familiar with their chemical make up and potential side effects. Natural does not necessarily mean safe for everyone.
A garden of ornamental herbs for scent and color can include plants from both of the previously mentioned categories. A combination garden can include all three types interplanted or in separate sections.
Do you like a formal, semi-formal or informal layout? A formal design involves high maintenance of hedges enclosing knot gardens and the like. They are lovely when viewed from above and at a distance. The semi- formal garden (photo two) involves less structure and maintenance, but the area is defined. The informal garden is one where herbs roam more freely with control exerted for plant health and beauty. Your satisfaction is also a major consideration.
Regardless of the type of garden you choose the plants should be arranged according to special needs, height, size and color. We covered the special needs of mint in terms of water and sun but there are other considerations. Some herbs, like mint are invasive by runners and need to be contained in pots or they will run amuck. Lemon balm, rue and feverfew will over-run by spreading their seeds. The flowers of these plants are best removed if this is a concern.
The height, size and color of the plants will determine their placement. Tall plants go to the back and large bushes are allowed ample space in which to grow. We often forget that a young plant is a fraction of its mature size! Color groupings and coordination of the herbs will make an aesthetic statement that reflects your taste.
Themed herb gardens are a way to express your particular interests and the possibilities are limited only by imagination. I have included some plant choices for three unique gardens. It is important to be knowledgeable about the plants you choose so there is no mistaking the lethal for the edible.
There are a limitless variety of materials and features to construct and “pretty up” an herb garden. Bricks, stones, wood, concrete pieces and gravel are good for laying paths. The wood should not be treated because the chemicals may leech into the soil. Typical decorative items are gazing globes, sundials, statuary, fountains, signs, benches, fencing and birdbaths.
Enjoy your creative herb garden adventure and let its composition reflect your interests and requirements. Mix themes, styles and plants to suit your passions and the garden will be a true reflection of yourself.
Tea garden plants:
Lemon balm, lemon verbena, chamomile, bee-balm, mint, lemon thyme, rose hips and lemon basil
Medicinal garden plants:
Feverfew, comfrey, yarrow, echinacea, valerian, horehound and hyssop
Biblical garden plants:
Rosemary, sweet woodruff, bedstraw, costmary, lavender, mint and rue.
Contact Edna at eamherb@csurfer.net with ideas or questions on herb garden design. Check her Website at herbbasket.net for herb and garden information.
| Send to a Friend | Report a Violation |
