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.

aka Basil mixed

A mixed selection of highly ornamental form of Sweet Basil which is great for summer salads. Lush foliage with full of flavour and fragrance. Plant in a sunny well drained spot and protect from frost. Pinch back to a new growth point as you harvest the leaves to encourage re-growth. Annual.

 

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Mrs Burns' Lemon Basil is a legendary heirloom, nothing short of an idol among fine chefs and gardeners alike. With the strongest aroma and flavour of all the lemon basils, the scent is powerful, resinous, and oily, followed by spicy cinnamon, with a strong floral note. It has a concentrated lemon oil taste, with mild spice and mint.

 

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aka Sweet Basil

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.

 

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Thai basil is sturdy and compact, has shiny green, slightly serrated, narrow leaves with a sweet, anise-like scent and hints of licorice, along with a slight spiciness lacking in sweet basil. Thai basil has a purple stem, and like other plants in the mint family, the stem is square. Perennial

 

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aka Lemon bee balm

The flowers are very pretty in white or pink with purple dots, growing in typical Bergamot fashion. Young leaves can be used in tea or for any gourmet dish, especially fish, where a strong lemon flavour would add interest. An attractive plant that will attract the attention of bees, as well as people, in any herb garden.

 

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A useful and attractive perennial with grey/green foliage and pretty sprays of mauve flowers that appear from spring right through to autumn. Useful as an edging for flower beds. Loves a sunny position and a good haircut every now and then. Hardy, evergreen easy to grow if you can keep your cats off it long enough!

 

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aka Camomile

Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs in the Western world.Chamomile has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, used to calm frayed nerves, to treat stomach problems, to relieve muscle spasms, and to treat skin conditions and mild infections.

 

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Traditional ground cover with bright green feathery foliage and erect stems of small, daisy-like flowers. Charmingly scented and magic to walk on. Chamomile Lawn thrive in full sun, but will tolerate dappled shade.

 

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This variety of Chives is a vigorous grower with good disease resistance. Nice broad leaves that can be chopped up to add to summer salads etc. Will form a good clump in the vege patch or can be grown in a pot. Prefers the sun and good drainage. Perennial.

 

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aka Garlic Chives

Flat leaves with a mild garlic flavour make these versatile Chives a useful Herb for a variety of dishes. A good substitute for those who find bulb garlic too strong. Plant in a sunny well drained spot. Perennial.