February | 2010 | Landscape and Garden Maintenance From Westville and Pinetown to Kloof , Hillcrest , Assagay , Drummond and Waterfall

Planning an herb garden can be fun and rewarding. Herbs have been in use for centuries for culinary, medicinal and aromatic reasons. For generations tribal leaders and healers passed down the herbal secrets. Many modern medicines have an herb base. Modern herbalist mix medicinal herb for their clients. Many herbalists also mix aromatic herbs for beauty purposes. But, of course, the culinary herb is still the most widely used. You can become a kitchen gardener by growing an herb garden right in your kitchen on a sunny windowsill.

For the discussion of herbal gardening today we will plant the herbs found in the Elizabethan Era and so often mentioned in William Shakespeare’s works. The plants selected will be culinary herbs, medicinal herbs and aromatic herbs, all to experience the aromas and flavors of that time.

Herbal gardening is wonderful since the herbs can be grown in a variety of ways. Plant a container garden for you deck or patio for great colors, different textures and super aromas. Planning an herb garden in the ground will allow you to cultivate a traditional kitchen herb garden outside. Or if you have limited space, become an inside kitchen gardener and plant your herbs on a windowsill or in a window box.

When planning your herb garden remember that the herbs need well drained soil, they hate wet feet. Test your soil for the herb garden and make sure it is alkaline. All Herbs need at least six hours of sunlight.

When Elizabethans planted aromatic herbs, culinary herbs and medicinal herbs they used either a symmetrical rectangular or square patterns. The Elizabethans were very formal and felt their herb gardens should be too. Their herbal gardens had walkways, as strolling through the garden was a popular pastime. They had no TV’S! If you are planting your herbal garden near a patio, think about adding a strolling path for yourself. The paths will add character to you herbal garden.

In planning an herb garden be sure to take in to consideration the growing habits of each herb. Plant the taller busier herbs in the back of the garden, the small, compact ones in the front. Most herbs are perennials meaning they will grow back each year. Any of the herbs that need to be planted annually should go in a spot in the herb garden that is easy to get to. Give each herb plenty of room to grow. The herbs need air circulation to prevent mold. This stage of planning an herb garden is essential since once the plants become mature they do not like to be moved.

When you plant an herb garden, you can either start from seeds or get small plants from your garden center. The garden center plants will give a better chance of achieving success in the herb garden. When using seeds, plan ahead because the seeds may need to grow for several months before they are ready to plant into the herb garden. Especially if you are a beginner, I would recommend using the small plants from the garden center.

Go to a reputable garden center to purchase you herbs. Inspect your herbs closely to make sure they are healthy. One infected plant can ruin your whole herbal garden. When using the small herbs from the garden center you will be able to harvest your herbs much sooner. When you take the herbs out to be planted in the herbal garden, gently remove the plant from the pot and loosen the soil around the roots. Place the herb in the spot you have chosen or the container that you have prepared. Cover all of the roots with soil and gently tamp down. Give your new herbs plenty of water checking the moisture each day. Never let the soil dry out but don’t make your herbs roots too wet. If you are planting a container garden remember that the dirt in a container will dry out more quickly then the ground. You might find that the herbs will droop for a couple of days. Don’t fret that is shock but they will recover.

Once you have learned the herbs growth patterns you can start pinching off to get a bushier herb. When you first start out, keep a journal for your herb garden to keep track of each herbs strengths and weaknesses. After you get to know your herb garden you will be able to tell when the plants need attention.

Over the centuries herbs have evolved into very hardy plants. Once you herbal garden is established it will need very little care. To hold moisture for the herb longer, mulch around the plants. This is a good garden tip whether you plant the herbs in container gardens or in the ground.

Herbs are natural insect repellents but if you have to treat for pests be sure you use a non toxic treatment since you will be eating your harvest. Marigolds are a natural repellent so you may want to plant of few of these flowers. Planting companion plants is how most Shakespearian gardens were done.

Harvest can begin as soon as you have several leaves on the herb. It is best to cut your herbs before they begin to flower for the best flavor. This is when the most oils are stored in the leaves. Wait until any morning dew has dissipated before cutting but harvest before the full sun is out. You can cut your herbs right before you wish to use them. If the stems are tender these too can be used in your recipes.

If you have an abundant harvest you can freeze or dry the herbs. Dry them by hanging them upside down, in a bunch tied together, in a warm and dark place. You can microwave them by placing them between two paper towels and microwaving for 2 minutes. Put them in an air tight container, they will last up to 1 year.

Freezing the bounty of your herb garden will let them last a little longer, a year to year and a half. Chop up the herbs and place on a sheet of wax paper. Freeze for at least 2 hours. Another method is to put the herbs in ice cube trays with water. Freeze until firm, pop them out and put them in to zip lock bags. When ever you need the herbs for soups, stews or sauces, just throw in an herb ice cube.

Now, here is the list of Shakespearian Herbs to plant in your Elizabethan herb garden including culinary herbs, aromatic herbs and medicinal herbs. It will truly make you a kitchen gardener.

Bay, box, Broom, Calendula, Chamomile, Chives, Heartsease, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Rue, Salad Burnet, Summer Savory, Bachelors Buttons and Thyme. For more information on each herb, email me or search on the internet.

Happy Gardening!

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About the Author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.GardeningHerb.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com

About the Author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com, http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com, and http://www.GardeningHerb.com

Purpose

The first step in planning a garden is probably determining what kind of garden you would like to have. Gardens range in style and purpose so it is important to have a clear idea of the kind of garden you are trying to grow. Some main types of residential gardens include: flower gardens, vegetable gardens, zen gardens, herb gardens and formal gardens. Some of these are best suited to specific climates and locations. In order to make a good decision about the kind of garden you want to have it is important to know a few things about the space your garden is going to be taking up and the weather conditions that may help or hinder your garden’s growth.

Climate

Where you live will greatly influence what you are able to do in your garden. It will probably be almost impossible to grow a tropical garden in Canada and rather silly to grow a cactus garden in a rainforest. You will achieve the most pleasing results in your garden if you make sure to grow elements that are native to your area; easy to grow; or simple to replace. If many of the elements in your garden are fairly uncomplicated, it will leave time to maintain your more precious orchids and roses.

Maintenance

While every gardener had the best intentions, it is important to know how much time is going to be spent maintaining the garden. Annuals must be replanted every year which allows you to recreate a new garden every year. However, the drawback of annual flowers is the need for constant upkeep. Annuals are comparably thirsty plants and need to be well-watered (but not over-watered). Many annuals require “pinching” or “deadheading” for better flowering. For many of us, the value of perennials, which will leave behind seeds that re-grow the next season, can be appreciated for the lack of tending needed.

Soil

Make sure your garden’s soil is healthy. Healthy soil grows stronger plants and attracts fewer pests that might damage your plants. There are some simple ways to test your own soil. Ideal soil for growing veggies in your own garden will crumble easily when you attempt to form a shape from it. If it holds shape to easily, it may be too moist and overworking wet soil can damage the soil structure for several growing seasons, seriously reducing the likelihood of healthy plants. If you soil seems dusty, it is probably too dry for many plants and will most likely be harder to work.

Space

Take a look at the space of your garden. This will help decide what should be planted and where. Think out the logistics of your garden. Where are faucets located in relation to your various plants? Are there any areas where the ground is uneven and unlikely to drain properly? How do sun and shade play across the area? Are there places that are unlikely get sunlight? It may be a good idea to sketch your area. The more time you spend planning your garden the more pleasing your final result will probably be.

Aesthetic

A garden should also have a visual composition. The plants, flowers and/or various statuary pieces should work together in the given space to create something aesthetically pleasing. Think of how your garden looks from different angles and vantages, like from house windows and doors. Great looking garden fountains are available at http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Garden+Fountains.

Color palettes

Pay attention to your color palette. There are many ways to choose the colors of your garden. While there is neither right nor wrong in color selection if you’ve contemplated your palette ahead of time you will have greater control over the final appearance. Some of the most simple color schemes select from either warm or cool tones, while others rely on a single color for a striking monochromatic effect. While for an interesting and dramatic look you might select several analogous colors like shades of red and red violet and then use a complementary color, like golden yellow as an accent. Depending on the kind of garden you are planning you may want a wide variety of colors. Try to create grouped plantings when using many different colors to create a design and visual flow. Many single colored flowers will look dull from a distance.

Composing your garden

Appreciate the space you are using. If your garden is going to be planted along a fence or against a house wall use a vine to add height and shape to your garden. Examine textures and shapes. To keep balance in your garden, make sure to use not just long stemmed flowers but also groundcovers and low plants with a variety of leave sizes and shapes.

Add focal points

By using a fountain, birdbath or other piece of statuary, you can add year round ornamentation as well as a focal point for you garden. If you plan your garden carefully it can be beautiful year-round and not just at the height of the growing season. By using many planters and pieces of statuary in your garden you are have the advantage of complete control over your garden’s shape. Take a look at some garden planter options. A garden consisting of planters can be arranged and rearranged to suit different moods, and different seasons to create something that provides visual interest year round. So if your having trouble deciding on a permanent look, using planters can give you design flexibility. Planters also provide shape and allow for greater control over plant growth.

Tips

When using planters it is still important to think about the heights and textures of every flower and plant and the containers that hold them.

Use ornamental rocks and small pieces of garden statuary to compliment taller planters. Place something tall and with an interesting texture and bright color in the center of your planter and surround it with lower, more simple textures for balance.

http://www.garden-fountains.com is recommended by Elizabeth Jean as a source for wall water fountains, garden d

Landscape and Garden Maintenance From Westville and Pinetown to Kloof , Hillcrest , Assagay , Drummond and Waterfall

Monthly Archives: February 2010

Planning An Herb Garden With Culinary Herbs, Medicinal Herbs and Aromatic Herbs

Before The Dirt: Pre-Plan Your Garden

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