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Using Herbs in the Landscape |
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So many times I hear people say, “I don’t use fresh herbs in my cooking, so why should I grow herbs?” There are many reasons why you should grow herbs. Here are just a few: · Most herbs have a natural resistance to bugs and will help keep bugs away from other plants in the vicinity, as well as help keep deer away. · Fragrance! · Adaptability and usefulness in almost any planting bed with other perennials and/or annuals. · Interesting background and history of many herbs, some going back thousands of years. · Many herbs attract butterflies, hummingbirds, bees. As long as the cultural needs of each herb are being met they can be incorporated into any style of landscape: casual, romantic, contemporary, Asian, traditional, native – whatever makes you happy. Of course, herbs can also be grown in traditional herb gardens, subject to many styles and interpretations, but it isn’t necessary to have an “herb garden” to grow herbs! The following includes some of the major categories of herb uses in the landscape and examples of each. All herbs listed can be successfully grown here in East Texas. It Makes Scents: aromatic herbs can be massed, planted in “scent pockets”, or placed near areas where people gather so they can be easily touched to release their aromas. Examples are almost too numerous to mention. Some favorites are basil, lavender, rosemary, patchouli, scented geraniums, roses, lemon verbena. Remember that the sense of smell is very unique and personal – not everyone will enjoy the same fragrance. On the Border: almost every landscape needs low growing plants for defining edges. Examples: germander, salad burnet, santolina, chives, thyme, oregano, compact basil, lamb’s ear, prostrate rosemary, skullcap, purple sage, winter savory. Tall in the Saddle: taller background plants are often needed to provide vertical interest or architectural structure. Examples: bay laurel, lemongrass, foxglove, mullein, dill, fennel, upright rosemary, lemon eucalyptus, Mexican mint marigold. Many types of basil such as Genovese and Red Rubin (purple) can also grow quite tall in the summer/fall, and make a beautiful display. Only Kids Allowed: most culinary herbs are perfect for children’s gardens since they can be safely handled (and nibbled). Lessons in history, folklore, geography and literature go hand-in-hand with herbs. Examples: Peter Rabbit’s garden, pizza garden, fairy tale garden, Bible garden. Herb gardens are easily adapted for children with special needs. Flower Power: herbs aren’t generally known for large, showy flowers, yet many of them add delicate color, texture and shape to the landscape. Examples: chives, borage, nasturtiums, calendula, Mexican mint marigold, pineapple sage, coral sage, hyssop, society garlic, St. John’s wort, Echinacea (purple coneflower), vitex (chaste tree), passionflower, and roses, of course. Friendly Critters: wildlife and butterfly gardeners will find that many herbs provide food and shelter. Examples: mahonia (berries), echinacea (seeds), parsley, dill, fennel, rue, passionflower, milkweed (all host plants), sage and thyme (nectar). Many herbs attract bees and will help call these little pollinators in to do their duty in the vegetable garden as well. Save Every Drop: water thrifty gardens are enhanced by Mediterranean herbs, gray and silver herbs, and others from drier climates. Some non-native herbs are as tough as our locals during periods of drought. Examples: lavender, rosemary, thyme, garden sage, winter savory, hyssop, artemisia, oregano, santolina, passionflower, curry plant, vitex. Contain Yourself: many landscapes can benefit from hanging baskets, containers or topiaries. Examples: mint, scented geraniums, creeping thyme, bay laurel, sweet or Greek myrtle, rosemary, lavender. A large clay pot planted with an assortment of several different herbs makes a very nice addition to a patio or walkway, and is a wonderful gift for a gardening friend or the passionate cook. Some Don’t Like it Hot: cilantro, chervil, dill, fennel, borage, calendula, parsley & nasturtiums are herbs that grow best in our part of the country in the cooler parts of the year. Don’t even try to grow cilantro here in the summer. Theme Gardens: specialty garden beds are often composed primarily of herbs, and they may be incorporated into public or private settings. Part of the delight of these gardens is the research that goes into them, whether striving for absolute accuracy or recreating the spirit of the theme. Examples: American Colonial, Texas Pioneer, Shakespeare, Medieval, Medicinal, Potpourri, Dyer’s, Biblical, Astrological, Moonlight, Culinary (may focus on particular cuisine), Meditation, Native American, Knot, Traditional Herb Garden. The list is limited only to your imagination and interests. Happy Herb Growing! |
