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Herb or ‘erb, however you pronounce it, herbs are very useful plants, and are found in most gardens and kitchens all over the world. Herbs have a variety of uses - food, flavouring, medicine, fragrances, cosmetics and I some cases for spiritual care.

For most herbs, it’s leaf or flower, we use - either dried or fresh.

Herbs can be grown in pots, containers, and gardens, indoors or out. When growing herbs together in one container, select varieties with similar habits, for example chives, mint, chervil and coriander like plenty of water, whereas rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano prefer well-drained soil. Clipping back and regular picking will help control the rampant habit or some herbs, and promote a continuous supply.

An extra vigorous variety of Artichoke that produces high quality green 'globes' that should be harvested before the flowers begin to open. Plant in the sun, tolerant of most conditions but will produce better in a nice rich soil. Perennial.

 

Where would summer be without Basil to add fragrance and flavour to a multitude of dishes? Large shiny green leaves that taste great fresh - wonderful for Pesto. Leaves can be frozen for future use if you have an over-production. Loves the sun and good drainage. Protect from frost. Annual.

 

This is slow growing and forms a very large bulb. Individual corms have a mild sweet taste (especially when roasted) and are less intense than regular Garlic. Plant in Jun, harvest Dec. Plant no deeper than 2 cloves depth. Feed low nitrogen fert. See www.wairere.co.nz/How-To for more information.

Garlic loves a sunny, well drained spot in fertile soil. Once harvested, around Christmas time, leave to dry in a warm, sunny spot until the leaves wrinkle and turn brownish. Then take the leaves off and store your bulbs whole in a cool airy place until required. NB Elephant Garlic does not store for as long as regular Garlic but once you get the taste of it that shouldn't be a problem. This is a hard necked variety.

 

A culinary soft neck Garlic with a premium flavour. Forms large, firm, white skinned cloves. Companion plant as aphid deterrent. Plant in a sunny, well drained spot with the 'pointy' end up in Jun, harvest Dec. Use low nitrogen fert. Stores well. For more info www.wairere.co.nz/How-To

Once you have dug your Garlic up around Christmas time (6 months after planting). Leave to dry in a warm dry spot until the leaves die down. Then break the leaves off and store whole in the pantry until you are ready to use. Home grown fresh Garlic has an exquisite sweet flavour that is hard to beat. Bon appetit.

 

This is a tall addition to the garden and often placed at the back of the border. It is a good idea to start a new plant every few years. Lovage prefers a rich soil that retains moisture well. It likes full sun in cool climates or partial shade where summers are very hot.

Leaves and stems used as a savoury flavouring in salads, soups, stews etc, imparting a yeasty/celery flavour.

 

Originating from Acorn Bank, the National Trust garden in Cumbria, this golden marjoram has very long, pointed leaves. To achieve the full golden colour of this herb, plant it in semi shade. Full sun can produce pale leaves

 

A prostrate form of Rosemary that has a ground-hugging habit. Pretty, clear blue flowers set against blue-green, aromatic foliage. Flowers through the summer and will attract bees to the garden. Extremely hardy, excellent for coastal planting and hot sunny positions. Evergreen.

 

A popular, semi prostrate rosemary with upright curving branches with deep violet blue flowers borne on dark green foliage throughout the summer. Prefers a full sun position that has good drainage. Can be used for culinary purposes and attracts bees to the garden. Evergreen.

 

This rosemary is a culinary delight and has been especially selected for its fantastic flavour. Lovely to grow in the herb or ornamental garden in a warm sunny spot. Pretty blue flowers that attract bees. Honey, is that roast lamb I smell cooking? PVR.

 

A prostrate Rosemary that can be used as a ground-cover in a sunny well drained spot. Soft grey/green aromatic foliage and little blue flowers from spring through to autumn. Can be used for culinary purposes. Protect from harsh frost. Evergreen.

Rosemary is the traditional herb for remembrance and is a lovely garden plant as well as a useful culinary herb and let's face it no lamb roast is complete without it.