HERB GARDENS

January 20th is the feast day of St. Sebastian, the patron saint of gardeners and a great day to begin to plan an herb garden.

There are several ways to garden with herbs. You can work them into the overall design of your garden as decorative elements, feature herbs in special theme gardens, or plant in containers. But first you need to consider some basic principles which apply to the location, soil preparation, and design. Most herbs require sun at least six hours a day and benefit from a south or west location that warms faster in spring and freezes later in fall. Also critical is a well-drained soil that has been amended with compost, peat moss or decomposed manure. An alternative in heavy clay soil would be to plant in raised beds above the ground level. Design is also important and there are several things to consider when planning an herb garden. Consider the herbs’ specific characteristics and how they can be used in different situations. Next consider combinations of woody perennials such as lavender and sage which give structure and winter interest with those that die back in winter such as chives and oregano. Choose a color theme with either harmonious colors for a soothing effect or contrast for excitement. Organize by height, whether in a border, island bed or container, so that nothing is hidden. Always use clusters of 3 to 5 plants, unless one plant can create a huge visual effect. In addition, consider year-round interest especially with colorful foliage, but also with flowering times. Finally, add the dimension of fragrance especially in areas where they can be touched or brushed to release scent.

Ornamental herbs can serve as beautiful landscape plants. In effect they are used just like flowers, creating dramatic not to mention tasty or useful highlights in a garden. Their colorful foliage and aromas make the flower garden nicer. Ornamentals such as lavender may be used for hedges and chamomile for colorful lawns. Other uses include as ground covers, in cracks between paths and rock gardens. Herbs added to the landscape create a fragrant, colorful and comfortable outdoor place to sit and entertain, plus become an asset that increases your property value.

Theme gardens highlight a particular use or common characteristic of the group of herbs such as tea gardens, moonlight gardens or biblical gardens. These special gardens that feature only herbs can have a formal or informal design depending on your preferences and personality. In a formal design, the herbs are planted in small symmetrical beds with paved paths which allow easy access for everyday use. They can also be circular and divided into pie shaped sections. Most formal gardens use a focal point such as a sundial or birdbath to draw attention to the center of the design. Informal designs draw on the textures and colors of the herbs themselves to set them apart and are great especially for culinary gardens.

Containers offer a myriad of possibilities for herb gardens including indoor gardens, topiaries and mini-theme gardens in barrels, planters, pots and hanging baskets. You can plant individual herbs like mint to contain their spread or a mixture of herbs to keep handy especially near the kitchen. Just make sure the plants you use all have the same light and water requirements. Whatever your choice for an herb garden, it is sure to add many years of enjoyment.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world and all who live in it”
Psalm 24:1