Growing Herbs – Formal and Informal Herb Gardens

Herb gardens are best situated close to the house. This makes sure that the herbs are handy when needed. The olitory, or herb garden can be a central decorative feature to any garden.

In the Kitchen

Herbs are used most frequently in cooking. Herbs such as mint, chamomile, rosemary, basil, chives, marigold, parsley, and thyme, are an invaluable addition to a kitchen garden. Herbs are frequently suggested as an ingredient in recipe books.

Medicinal / Holistic Purposes for Herbs

Herbal medicine is used worldwide and is commonplace. Essential oils made from herbs are used by herbologists, reflexologists, and aromatherapists to massage into areas of the body.

Herbs are known to help particular ailments. e.g. mint has antiseptic qualities and is good for stomach / digestive problems, and chamomile has calming, relaxing properties. However, to be able to practice herbal medicine you should first ensure that you have been adequately trained.

In the Garden

A herb garden should always fit in with the style of the rest of the garden, and it should take into account the fact that different herbs thrive in different conditions. Some prefer moist, damp soil, some like permanent shade, some direct sunlight, and others prefer light shade.

In a patio area, or rockery area, then herbs in containers would be a good option, or alternatively planting in gaps between patio slabs / stones also looks aesthetically pleasing.

People with disabilities or mobility problems may find that raised beds or pots is a good choice due to easy access.

Informal Gardens

This gives the gardener more freedom to experiment with different colour schemes. Try a variety of coloured herbs together to create a dramatic effect. Make sure that tall plants are not smothering smaller varieties. The informal herb garden does not have any specifically designed structure, it is basically a queston of using initiative and placing aesthetically pleasing coloured herbs together. For example purple and silver herbs together, and red and green herbs together. It is also a good idea to experiment with differently textured leaves in an informal garden.

Formal Gardens

There are lots of possible designs for formal herb gardens. Take into account the size of the area available, and the location – shaded / partial shade / direct sunlight, when planning the design. Designs are normally based on geometric patterns, such as a cartwheel shape, or a square with a diamond shape in the centre.

Each individual section of the design should be planted with one variety of herb to give a block of bold colour. This type of herb garden is best suited to small to medium sized herbs, as taller herbs will spoil the design once fully grown.

Regardless of whether the herb garden is formal or informal, always remember to provide pathways or stepping-stones for access!