Herbs

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Herbs grown for their pot-pourri, culinary, medicinal and ornamental uses play an import part in our lives. They range from plants grown annually from seed, such as Basil, to more permanent perennials, such as Tarragon and shrubs that include Rosemary, Lavender and Bay.

Planting

Herbs grown from seed should be sown in the Spring. Plant perennials, including Chives and Marjoram, in Spring and Summer. Shrubby herbs such as Sage can be planted all year round. They all require well prepared soil to which organic material has been added to conserve moisture, aid drainage and supply plant foods.

For best results, plant in South or West facing borders. This prevents harm from Winter cold, and sunshine shows the ornamental foliage of some varieties to the best effect.

Pruning

Herbs such as Cotton Lavender, The Curry Plant, Garden Lavender, Rosemary and Sage benefit from a hard pruning in early to mid Spring. Others such as Bay can be clipped into shapes.

Feeding

With all plants where foliage is an attraction, an annual feed with a general fertilizer in Spring will ensure best results.

Usage

Herbs can be grown in many places, from pots on windowsills to specifically designed herb gardens containing many types and varieties.

Their usage in the garden is almost endless. Lavender and Rosemary can be planted as low hedging, others such as ornamental Sage can be part of a mixed planting. Bay can be grown as an evergreen and trimmed or shaped. Plants such as Lavender and Rosemary have aromatic foliage and many herbs are suited for drying for later use.

On the patio they are most attractive in pots, troughs and containers especially designed for growing herbs. Care should be taken to choose a good quality potting compost.

Herbs for pot-pourri

Bergamot
Camphor
Lavendar
Camomile (flowers)
Rosemary
Sage
Lemon balm
Catmint

Herbs for flower arrangers

Angelica
Bergamot
Cotton lavendar
Fennel
Lavendar
Southernwood
Rosemary
Sweet rocket

Herbs for low hedges

Curry plant
Germander
Cotton lavendar
Lavendar
Rosemary
Southernwood
Santolina
Savory
Sage

Herbs for containers

Bay
Catmint
Cotton Lavendar
Curry plant
Lavendar
Marjoram
Mint
Nastertium
Parsley
Pennyroyal
Rosemary
Sage
Santolina
Savory
Southernwood
Strawberry (alpine)
Thyme
Woodruff

Herbs for hanging baskets

Catmint
Lavendar
Marjoram
Mint (apple)
Nastertium
Pennyroyal
Savory (creeping)
Strawberry (alpine)
Thyme

Herbs for ground cover

Catmint
Camomile
Cotton lavendar
Marjoram
Lemon balm
Mint
Pennyroyal
Sage
Santolina

Herbs with aromatic leaves or scented flowers

Catmint
Curry plant
Cotton lavendar
Lavenda
Marjoram
Mint
Rosemary
Sage
Savory
Southernwood
Sweet rocket

Herbs for drinks

Angelica
Bay
Bergamot
Lemon balm
Strawberry (alpine)
Woodruff

Herbs for flavouring

Basil
Bay
Chervil
Chives
Coriander
Curry plant
Dill
Fennel
Germander
Hyssop
Lovage
Marjoram
Mint
Nastertium
Rocket
Rosemary
Savory
Sorrel
Tarragon
Thyme
Woodruff

Herbs for special purposes

Camphor as a moth repellent
Camomile for lawns
Cotton Lavender as an insect repellent
Lavender as a relaxing bath additive
Mint (Eau de Cologne) as a relaxing bath additive