Chequerboard Herb Garden

Paving on sand can create ideal conditions for herbs that prefer a sunny and well-draining ground. Herbs such as Thyme can creep and spread out through the cracks. A Chequerboard pattern of slabs with plants in the spaces between is a simple design but effective showpiece for herbs, planted to create blocks of colors that highlight the design. Paving slabs come in a wide range of shapes and colors which makes it easier to blend your design with the surroundings and the herbs you are going to plant.

You can have several different materials, colors and/or shapes to create an informal effect or keep your design uniform. Slabs are usually square or rectangular but other shapes are available. First you will need to mark out the perimetry (use some pegs and string), level the area and with a rake smooth out the space. Take some planks make a frame that will surround the edges of the designated area and firmly hold to the ground using some wooden begs on the inside corners and middle of the wooden frame but, make sure you spirit level the frame as you go along.

Cover the base inside the frame with 6cm sharp sand, level and smooth out, and check with the spirit level to get a level surface. Lay all of the slabs in place leaving a gap equal to the length of a slab between each one. Make some sand-cement mixture with sufficient water for a stiff mortar. Lift slabs, one at a time, and place sufficient mortar in the center and each corner then replace the slabs back. Now place some mortar along the inside edge of each space to secure the slab. Tamp each slab with the handle of a club hammer against some piece of wood and make sure the slab aligns with the frame. Check again with your spirit level.

When you have finished with the slabs scoop the sand from around their edges and seal with mortar to keep the sand under the slabs secure. When the mortar is fully set fill the planting area with soil and plant your herbs such as Lemon balm, Marjoram, Nasturtiums, Tansy, Mint and/or Thyme.

Chequerboard Herb Garden

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Aloes: Aloe Vera, Aloe Socotrina

There are several species of the aloe herb, actually, more than 500 species of Aloes. It belongs to the lily family and it is a native of the sunny East and South Africa. They form clusters of fleshy leaf blades with prickles at the margins and tips. They come in a variety of sizes from 40cm to 15m and they produce erect spikes of red, yellow or orange flowers.

Aloes require 3 to 4 years before they yield their juice (jell). Aloe jell has been one of the best and most important drugs in history and it is still used extensively in modern medicine. The most important constituents in aloes are Barbaloin and Isobarbaloin called ‘crystalline’ aloin. Aloe is excellent for burns, cuts and bruises. Aloe is a good herb to clean out the colon but start with small doses. Excessive use could induce hemorrhoids. It is the best and well known purgative. It helps and accelerates tissue healing in minor burns, skin irritations, scrapes and acne. Keep one or two plants in your garden.

Commercial preparations of Aloe juice and jell are sold at chemists and health food shops. It is regularly found in products such as soap, hair shampoo, skin products and supplements.

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Parsley, Thyme and Sage Oil

Herb oils are great in cooking as well as salad dressings. This herb combination is a good basic choice but you can try others such as oregano, rosemary, and basil. Adding some chili and garlic to a herb oil produces a spicy condiment. Dribble some on toasted bread, pasta, salad dressing, with stir-fry cooking and before grilling chicken or meat.

 2 cups olive oil,

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme

1/8 cup chopped fresh sage

Place the herbs in a sterilized jar and poor the oil over them. Cover and allow standing at room temperature for five days but no longer. Shake the jar once a day during that time. When ready strain off the oil into a sterilized bottle and discard the herbs. Seal the bottle well and store in a cool place. Use within two months.

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