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Herbs can be rewarding and interesting to grow. Initially, when I first started growing them, they rarely got used, but as I got in to a habit of using them, they became more and more a part or our cuisine. Having them growing in a spot that is close, making it easy to just snip of a few leaves is important. A small garden near your kitchen or grown in pots on the deck or patio makes for easy access. One large pot or a number of pots clustered together works well.
A number of herbs grow well in containers and you can then bring the pots in for the winter. Bay trees make a lovely pot plant, and they don't mind being slightly pot bound. Rosemary is also an attractive pot plant and can be wintered inside in a sunny window. A strawberry pot is a great choice for your herbs; choose plants that tolerate dryer conditions and dwarf or smaller plants will work best. Some good choices would be sage, parsley, Rosemary, either trailing or upright, lavender, marjoram or oregano.
By planting a combination of culinary herbs with lavender or violas, and possibly some small strawberry plants, you can have a useful and attractive arrangement. If the pot you choose is clay you might want to place it in a protected location to prevent it drying out to rapidly. Most herbs prefer the sun, however, so don't place the pot in too much shade. Or to start with you could try a mix of culinary herbs like basil, dill, cilantro and marjoram, or try planting a few of the herbs you normally use in cooking.
Most of these herbs can also be dried for future use. Pick small bunches in the morning for the best flavor, and hang them upside down to dry. Try to do this when the weather is hot, as the faster they dry the better. A dehydrator is even better for this if you have one. Try mixing two or three of your herbs together for your own herb mix. Basil, dill and oregano are an excellent combination.
Most herbs are low maintenance in the garden. Some like mint need to be contained so that it doesn't become invasive, but is great to have on hand. Mint and lemon balm are favorites in my garden. In the summer I make a mint tea with fresh mint steeped in the teapot or a large jar, (sometimes with a small amount of lemon balm) and one teabag. Steep this mix for a couple of hours, strain and add sugar to taste and a small amount of lemon juice also to taste. It is extremely refreshing, and if you add a small shot of Southern Comfort, you have a Mint Julep.
Mint, lemon balm, chamomile, elderflower heads, rose petals and many other inhabitants of your garden can be used in teas, and rose petals or viola flowers frozen in ice cubes make a lovely addition to a summer drink. Try experimenting and I'm sure you'll really enjoy having herbs as an addition to your garden.
Lindi Karmason for Lake Country Greenhouses 2005-07 |
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