Herbal Remedies

Herbal Remedies 

Herbs are often added here & there, wherever space allows as a bit of an afterthought, but given their gorgeous aromas, multi-purpose use and wildlife appeal, I think they should be part of the central design in any garden! 

Herbs don’t only provide a few tasty pickings here and there at mealtimes, but in fact contribute to colour, scent and texture in the garden, as well as increasing pollinators to your space.  Herbs can be planted symmetrically and clipped to perfection, providing a sense of formality to a garden. Equally they can create an effortlessly relaxed cottage garden feel if you allow them to loll about and do their thing. 

A variety of Lavenders ///  Yorkshire Lavender 

Want to achieve that formal flair? 

The secret behind formal elements is order, ‘tidiness’ and symmetry. Think of neatly trimmed rosemary spirals, or standard bay trees that frame a front door. Planters are also a key factor in creating formality. Tall, slender planters of herbs or repeated terracotta pots planted with Lavender, Rosemary or Thyme could effortlessly add rhythm and a strong impact to your space. 

As shown in the photo (left), repeated rosemary planting within a planter helps to create a formal appearance. 

Is cottage-style more your thing? 

Use herbs to frame paths, such as sprawling Lavender and Nepta (Catmint) or creeping thyme, softening the hard edges of paving. Herb planting along a path can provide a relaxed, take-your-time informality by weaving through the planting like a lazy stream if you allow it to spill over the edges and do it’s thing. 

Catmint sprawling over a pathway helps to create a more informal, cottage style. Also a firm favourite with bumblebees! 

A Spotlight on Mint: 

 Mint is one of my all time favourite herbs to grow in the garden, using regular pickings for fresh tea! But this plant should come with a warning... this is not a plant that you should put in your borders as it is fast-growing and quickly spreading so will soon take over your border if allowed. 

I always recommend planting Mint in pots. My favourite pots to use for mint are always a collection of terracotta.  
My current Mint collection includes:

• Apple Mint 

• Chocolate Mint 

• Pineapple Mint  

• Ginger Mint 

But there are SO many more varieties to try.. 

TOP TIP: Pick leaves, dry out and store so you have fresh mint tea on hand all winter! 

However you choose to include Herbs into your garden, remember they don’t have to be included in nooks and crannies, they could fill a prime position amongst perennials in a border or in large, formal pots to create a striking formal  feature. 

Whether you want to create a more formal or cottage-style effect, tag me in your herb planting techniques! 

Emma :-)