Herbal Garden
Herbs have been cultivated almost as long as man existed, and are inextricably bound up with a wealth (” folklore based on ancient mythologies, religious ceremonu witchcraft and superstitions. Some authorities argue herbs were first grown for their medicinal qualities, othcr. for their culinary purposes, but it seems logical to assail that the two developed simultaneously. The great majority of herbs arc useful aids to the digestion, and many al:;( I have food preserving and antiseptic qualities.
Today there is an increased awareness of aroma I j, herbs, partly due to the subtle flavors they impart to mass produced foodstuffs, and partly due to the free merchanted of national cuisines brought about by expanding tourism
I n any type of garden a small portion or even a flower bed can be kept for herbs. Most of them all’ fragrant and will fit into any type of garden and convert the simplest meal into a treat.
‘Initially try growing herbs which a rc commonly USI in our country like mint, celery, parsley, dill, coriander, b.iv,oregano, and thyme.Many of the herbs mentioned in this beneficial insects into the garden which in turn help cantil Ii pests, thus helping the garden in time to develop its OWII natural balance.
HERR GARDIeN DESIGNS
Few gardens have enough space to allow a replica of Elizabethan knot garden, the geometrical design of which was based on individual, often irregular beds planted with I herb contrasting in colour and texture with that in bed. They were linked by paths of grass or gravel and I,lged with low hedges of box, lavender or santolina. A paved herb garden can, however, be created on the ‘ .. I me principle, dividing a square or rectangular plot into , actions separated with paving stones or bricks and edged with violets, chives, parsley or thyme.
A circular herb garden can be created around a central ture, such as a sundial or a bird bath. The individual l xds are then laid out in wedge shapes and separated from ,other with gravel.
Herbs can be grown in the following ways as-
BORDERS: Balm, hyssop, lavender, fever few, , hives balm, fennel, dill, borage, marjoram, thyme.
CARPETING HERBS: Coriander, mint, savory, chamomile. HERBS: Basil, chervil, chives, dill, sage, savory, I rrsley, oregano, balm. Suitable plants would be one well Jraped rosemary, surrounded by parsley, chives, oregano, winter savory, and French tarragon interspersed with three I railing nasturtiums for colour and use in salads.