Herb Gardens

Herb gardens

The smell that wafts through the air when I water my herb garden reminds me of the South of France. It may be that my rosemary bush is huge and that the parsley is likewise. The rosemary is green and lush, bearing little purple flowers. I am considering making a hedge of this in the front of the house where we cannot put in a fence. It will be full and green all year long; low lying so as not to break any property restrictions for the area.The below photo is the rosemary and parsley plant.

It was rocky going with the herbs at the beginning but once they took hold, they really flourished. They needed a lot of attention at first but eventually grew stronger. I find the basil really needs a lot of water and is the first to show signs of dryness. I crop the heads off of the stems when they begin to bloom. I was told that it keeps the bush strong and it seems to work. Making fresh pesto is quick and easy, and tastes best when plucked minutes before pouring over pasta. http://www.dianaskitchen.com/page/sauce/pesto.htm

The parsley is likewise as the basil. Clip and use often to allow for more rapid new growth. Great chopped in boiled potatoes or on eggs benedict in the morning.

I also grow thyme, which really needed a lot of attention in the beginning. I acually lost a plant or two before I got it right. It is worth the effort though, as this is a versatile herb and gets used a lot in soups and stews to name but a few dishes. Good soil, water and sunlight all have to be right for this picky plant. Try all combinations until you find the right light.

I have planted elephant ear plants throughout my herb and future vegetable garden to create some shade in the searing sun here. See below photo.

Summer is obvioulsy not the time to plant. I have found if herbs are planted over the cooler months, by the time summer comes around, they have a better chance of surving the dryness and heat. However, the plants will look healthier in cooler months.

Mint, once it takes, grows like a weed grass with small pretty purple flowers. It smells great, looks pretty and is perfect for Indian food and exotic drinks. Wild basil (or thyme, I am not really sure-everyone seems to have a different opinion) grows strong and gets large. It is also great in Italian foods like stuffed shells. A note to remember, especially if you use snail bait and pesticides: wash your herbs well before using. Also, dried herbs have a weaker flavour than when using them fresh, so bear in mind when implementing.

I love the fact that when I am cooking, I can go to the bottom of the garden and pick fresh herbs. Eventually, when I have really masteredmy herb garden, I'll grow more in the way of vegetables to go with these herbs. The less I have to go the Winn Dixie - the better.