THE HERB GARDEN

What can be more satisfying than picking your own freshly grown herbs from the garden and using them to create a delicious meal?

Sun dried tomatoes, lightly drizzled with olive oil and a seasoned with a sprinkling of basil… Salmon in a fragrant dill sauce … Home grown mint used to make mint sauce to pour over a succulent and tender piece of lamb… Are your taste buds tingling? Then pop down to your local garden centre to see what seasonal herbs you can buy. We promise you’ll come back with some inspirational ideas!

Easy to Grow
Herbs are extremely easy to grow, but as with all plants they’ll need some loving care. Sun and water are the main ingredients. Most herbs won’t survive the winter outdoors, but if grown in pots can be brought inside and placed on a sunny window sill or in a conservatory. Alternatively put them in the greenhouse for the winter.

Some herbs are annual and some perennial. Make sure you know which is which so you’re not disappointed.

Be careful not to leave herbs in containers out in torrential rain. The roots will rot and they won’t survive.

What’s more delicious than the taste of fresh mint on new potatoes? There are many different varieties of mint and one point to remember is that it is fast growing and will take over any area where it’s planted. Contain your mint in pots and you’ll have a wonderful herb that won’t over-run the garden.

Herbs for Culinary Use
Think of all those little pots of dried herbs you can buy in the supermarket. Do they really taste as good as fresh herbs? For a very small cost you can reap the tasty rewards of your own home-grown herbs. Try experimenting and you’ll be amazed at how a few sprigs of thyme, rosemary, oregano or sage can transform a recipe.

Or why not try something a little more exotic? Lemon grass is growing in popularity and can be used in salads, soups, sauces and to flavour chicken and fish.

Herbs for Medicinal Use
Herbal medicine is becoming a popular alternative to taking pharmaceutical products. From headaches to PMT to stomach upsets – there’s a herb for every ailment. It’s easy to train to become a herbalist or use books to benefit your health with herbs.

Many of the herbs used in herbal medicine can be easily grown in the garden. We do strongly advise that you clearly research your use of herbs as an alternative medicine, as used in the wrong quantities or situations they can be dangerous. A qualified herbalist will be able to give you accurate advice.

Herbal Design
The herb garden can be either formal or informal. A formal herb garden with rows of lavender or bay trees in containers can look stunning. Alternatively, the informal herb garden with plants combined for their practicality can be just as effective. And don’t forget to plant lavender along paths where feet will tread and crush the flowers to release the wonderful fragrant smell.