A herb spiral is a permaculture concept that puts all your culinary herbs at your fingertips. The design of the spiral is such that it allows for a wide variety of herbs and growing conditions. Heat loving dry herbs go at the top, whereas herbs that prefer shade and moisture […]
Herb
33 posts
Origanum spp History Origanum is a genus of about 40 species. Three species are particularly well known for their culinary, ornamental, and medicinal values. These species are known as sweet marjoram (O.marjorana) pot marjoram (O. onites) and wild marjoram or oregano (O. vulgare) Sweet and pot marjoram are native […]
[scientific name] History Grated tumeric much better than/no comparison to dried Curcuma longa A ginger that grows readily in warm, sheltered areas Dark orange thumb sized rhizones send up green shoots Dec to May. Dormant Mid winter to mid Summer. Need light, aerated, well composted soil. Free draining Harvest one […]
Achillea millefolium History Also known as soldiers woundwort, staunchweed, nosebleed, devil’s nettle, devil’s plaything In Chinese medicine Yarrow is said to be the perfect balance between yin and yang. Used in tea to help break a fever In a bath for relaxation As an astringent it is good for oily […]
[scientific name] History Grated tumeric much better than/no comparison to dried Curcuma longa A ginger that grows readily in warm, sheltered areas Dark orange thumb sized rhizones send up green shoots Dec to May. Dormant Mid winter to mid Summer. Need light, aerated, well composted soil. Free draining Harvest one […]
[scientific name] History Tanachem vulgare Ants and mice are said to hate it Was a stewing herb in the 16th and 17th century Used to die wool giving yellow and green colours Attractive leathery foliage Also known as Beggars Buttons due to its bright yellow button like flowers. Fernleaf tansy […]
[scientific name] History Growing Storing harvested [name]:Seed Saving: Maintenance Feeding: Fun Facts Problems and Pests Uses Saliva rutilans syn Salvia elegans Can grow up to a metre tall and wide. Native of Mexico Dislikes heavy cloggin clay Grows in full sun but capable of doing dappled shade. Ideas for […]
[scientific name] History Growing Storing harvested [name]:Seed Saving: Maintenance Feeding: Fun Facts Problems and Pests Uses Rosemary officinalis Mediterranean native Hardy drought tolerant perennial can last for 25 years Tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Prefers light, well drained soil. sunny spot tolerant of wind and salt evergreen use […]
Aloysia triphylla (syn.Lippia citriodora, Verbena citriodora, V.triphylla) History Considered by many to be the finest of the lemon scented plants. Native to parts of South America, this is a frost tender perennial shrub or small tree. The plant is deciduous. It frosty areas such as Hawke’s Bay grow in a […]
[scientific name] History Mentha perennial most varieties semi-dormant in winter. mint used in teeth cleaning preparations as far back as 6th century eastern herb – introduced to Europe through north Africa Spearmint and Peppermint asr a favourite for tea Greeks used mint to clean their dining tables and in […]
[scientific name] History Latin ‘nasus tortus’ (twisted nose) is the orgin of Nasturtioum. generally regarded as an annual but often thought of as a perennial because they self sow. Roots exude a substance said to repel insects. Flowers are a lure for aphids when planted aroud fruit trees and […]
[scientific name] History Growing Storing harvested [name]:Seed Saving: Maintenance Feeding: Fun Facts Problems and Pests Uses Origanum vulgare perenial Sunny spot in rich soil with good drainage. ideal on pizza or in tomato, egg or cheese dishes blends well with chilli and garlic long slow cooking develops flavour can […]
[scientific name] History Growing Storing harvested [name]:Seed Saving: Maintenance Feeding: Fun Facts Problems and Pests Uses As a topping over rice or vegetable, meat or fish, in slad. Easy to grow. versatile most commonly used herb in the world treated as an annual it is a biennial. snapping flower heads […]
Symphytum (uplandicum, officinale, asperum) History Comfrey is an easy to grow perennial species that has become popular (at least in New-Zealand) as a Permaculture plant because of its many uses. Leaves of comfrey are commonly used to make organic fertilisers because of its ability to take up a range […]
Calendula officinalis History Sometimes known as Pot Marigold. From the Greek Kalends meaning the first day of the month. If stung by a bee or wasp a flowerhead crushed and rubbed in is said to provide relief. A calendula leaf wrapped around a cut will stop bleeding. The yellow […]
Borago officinalis History During the 1600s in Europe flowers were added to wine to dispel sadness and relieve boredom. Growing Borage grows readily from seed and once established will pop up freely around your garden. Young seedlings with their distinctive green / grey / furry leaves are easily transplanted […]
Angelica,… archangelica, atropurpurea, pachycarpa…. and others History From the Apiaceae family. Other members of this family are carrots, coriander, Chervil, and parsnip to name a few. This group of plants were named as “umbelliferae” and many publications still use this name. (Just think of ‘Umbrella ‘ which is the […]
Before using any plant ensure it has been properly identified and is spray free Methods Hot Compress 1 teaspoon fresh or 2 teaspoons dried herb. Place in a non metal bowl. Pour over two cups of boiling water. Allow to cool enough so a cloth can be soaked. Squeeze out. […]
Tanacetum pathenium (formally: Chrysanthemum pathenium History Feverfew is an easy to grow perennial member of the Daisy family. Feverfew has commonly been used in the treatment of migraine, and to reduce fever. It is also a natural fly repellent – grow close to open doors. Leaves are bruised to release […]
Foeniculum spp History The Fennels are believed to have originated from southern Europe with the name ‘Foeniculum’ being derived from the Latin ‘foenum’ meaning fragrant hay. It has been known and valued as a herb and vegetable for thousands of years. The seeds have a lovely anise flavour, and can […]
Coriandrum sativum History Sometimes called Cilantro, or Chinese parsley, Coriander is a herb that people seem to love or hate. It is a member of the vast Umbelliferae family, so a great herb for attracting beneficials to your garden. Both the leaves, seeds, and roots, are popular in all kinds […]
Allium schoenoprasum History Chives are a perennial plant that enjoys sun and free draining soils. Both the leaves and flowers can be eaten.Plants make very tidy borders in a herb garden, and the flowers attract bees. Chives and other members of the Allium family can be a deterrent to pests […]
Anthriscus cerefolium syn. A. sativum History Another member of the Apiaceae (prev. Umbeliferae) family. Native to southern and western Asia, but now naturalised in many parts of Europe, Britain, and North America. It is a traditional part of the french ‘fines herbes‘ mix. Growing Best sown directly where they are […]
Nepeta faassenii, N. cataria, N. grandiflora, N. subsessilis, N. nervosa History Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some members in this group are known as catmint and some as catnip (N. cataria). There are about 250 species in this Genus. The name of which is reported to refer to the […]
Cynara cardunculus History Large grey green leaves and impressive flowers. An attractive plant that readily fits into any ornamental garden. The flowers have the bonus of being very attractive to bumble bees. Closely related to the globe artichoke however the head of the cardoon is not eaten ( If unsure […]