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 Borage or Star flower

Borage is an old herb, known at least since Roman times. It is said that borage gladdens the heart. It can add colour and interest to any garden, and it has value in the kitchen as well. For the avid herb gardener, it's a must.

 

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aka Elephant Garlic

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.

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.

 

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aka Garlic

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.

 

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aka Citronella grass

Tall, densely tufted, aromatic clumping stalks. Foliage is cut before fully mature. The tender white part of the stalk is used for adding to dishes, the remainder can be used for stocks, dried or a cuppa tea. Arching leaves of pale blue green colour to 90cm long. Semi-hardy perennial that goes dormant in winter.

Used in Asian cookery. Pour boiling water over sliced leaves and steep for 5 minutes for Lemongrass tea. Sweeten as desired. Can be dried for tea, potpourri or cooking.

 

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aka Rosemary

Rosemary - White. An unusual form of Rosemary that has aromatic pale green foliage and pure white blooms. Suitable for culinary or ornamental use. Loves the sun and good drainage. Trim after flowering. Perhaps a hedge with a difference? Evergreen.

 

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aka Rosemary

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.

 

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aka Rosemary

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.

 

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aka Rosemary

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.

 

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Gorizia Rosemary was named for the town (Gorizia, Italy) in which it was discovered. A mildew resistant variety, the large, flat leaves of this selection are unusual for Rosemary, making it unique and very appealing. Gorizia has an upright habit and sports large light lavender-blue flowers in spring. Use with meats, vegetables, and bread recipes.

 

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aka Prostrate Rosemary

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.