The Herb Garden

Oregano spreading in the new herb garden

Herbs truly make the kitchen go from average to excellent. I have grown herbs for years and much prefer them fresh for cooking than the dried varieties found on my spice rack. The herb situation here at the farm was less than organized. They were here, there, and everywhere. Some in pots, some in plots, some in the garden- it was a scavenger hunt every time I needed something. My Mother in Law has an amazingly beautiful herb garden. It is all in one place and just a place I love to walk around and take it all in. So I dreamed of having something similar here that we could all share. The idea was to have it near the driveway so that last minute as everyone leaves with their fresh produce and meals on their minds, they could stop and cut fresh herbs to take home. It also meant everything would be in one place. As luck would have it, providence moved when I lost my favorite ornamental pear tree in a violent storm last year. What was once a very shaded garden was suddenly open to the sky. It had many flowering bulbs which naturally divided it into sections but there was still a lot of open space once the weeds were cleared. Most of the weeds were violets, which we have in abundance, so I had no issue removing them here. After many many weeks of clearing violets, the herb garden is about ninety percent complete. Most has been started with thickly planted seed, but some has been transplanted from around the farm.

Here is what we have planted so far:

Basil

Borage

Chamomile

Chives

Cilantro/ Coriander

Cumin

Dill

Lemon Balm
Mints

Oregano

Parsley

Rosemary

Sage

Tarragon

Thyme

I have yet to find time to consult my herb books and see what I'm missing- so if you have any further suggestions for what you would like to see planted tell me soon! I have about forty lavender plants started from parent plants that will also be transferred into this plot. Herbs are one of those things you can never have too much or too many of so I plan on packing this plot full to capacity.