The quadrant garden design is very old, but also very popular way to display herbs. It is a simple square or rectangular space with paths cutting the area into four equal parts. This garden design usually, outline each of the four equal parts with a fence and the perimeter boarders inside each fence is planted with perennial herbs such as lavender, chives, mints, lemon balm or thyme.
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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.
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A scree garden is the re-creation of the rocky natural landscape at the foot of a cliff or hill. Not a standard suburban rock garden. This garden should mimic the Mediterranean hillsides. Stony surfaces over soil conserving moisture and absorb the sun’s warmth during the day to create a herb garden with a favorable micro climate. It is an ideal garden for areas with low rain fall.
everythyng herbal at herb-garden world
Among all the garden designs used for growing herbs none is more intricate and most readily recognizable than the knot garden. As the name suggests, it consists of narrow, interlacing ribbon-like curves with each bed of herbs intersecting another bed of a different herb. Knot gardens are usually composed of low perennial herbs with contrasting colors laid out in a pattern.
Compact herbs are ideally suited to formal features. Their large range of leaf colors and shapes can be used to create distinct geometrical patterns and infill squares and or loops. Knot gardens are using hedging herbs to create spaces within which any type and number of herbs are contained. The design can be simple or complex and much of the character is derived from the type of herbs used.
A well loved shape is that of a wheel with the herbs grown between the spokes. Plant herbs in sections of a circle with the spokes made with bricks or stones so you can walk into the middle of the wheel and reach any herb. Knot gardens are best located in an area that can be viewed from above, where the design can be fully appreciated. A statue or a sundial in the center of the garden adds tranquility and old fashioned charm.
everythyng herbal at herb-garden world
The only definition of herb garden I know is where herbs are grown. However, it may be based on a formal design such as Ladder, Chequerboard, Wheel, Knot or on a non formal simple border design. At is smallest a garden consist of a window box or a collection of herbs in pots.
There are numerous designs and styles of herb gardens to fit your needs or taste. The traditional herb garden is usually divided by paths into orderly geometric beds while the informal herb garden is planted in the relaxed style of a cottage garden creating effects based on habits and colors. In many gardens, herbs have to take their places beside other kinds of plants. Many herbs are in their own right ornamental border plants - lavender and purple sage is obvious examples.
There are a hundred and one ways to grow herbs - they are very undemanding plants. Most need plenty of sun and well-drained soil. Some herbs make excellent border plants while others are good edging plants along pathways, their scent drifting up as you brush past them. Various thymes are often sold as rock-garden plants and many herbs with creeping habits can be planted to form fragrant carpets in gravel or paving.
Many herbs can grow well in containers. In small gardens or balconies, the entire herb garden may consist of containers placed with a little imagination on steps, walls, window-sills or hanging baskets.
However, if you have plenty of space you could design a formal herb garden based on traditional medieval or Elizabethan designs, which incorporated herbs for use in the kitchen, for flavoring, perfuming and for medicine.
Before you decide about the shape of your garden, consider the space you have available and whether you want the herbs to be a part of your garden or you would rather plant up your entire garden with herbs. Round shape gardens are a good solution for small space as they are easy to move through and around them to plant or pick herbs. However, if you have a large area you could make a round shaped herb garden the central theme of that space.
Other shapes to consider are: Square; a low maintenance garden divided by paths to form four beds. Rectangular; a country style low maintenance garden with winding path(s) running through it.
For the keen gardener with a lot of gardening space a Celtic maze garden based on the manuscripts of
When planning a herb garden today there is a vast choice of styles and influences to choose. As herbs and plants cover a wide range they often grown throughout the garden in ornamental beds, borders and even among vegetable plots. However, a designated herb garden with a range of medicinal, culinary and aromatic herbs and its own boundaries always makes a rewarding feature.
Whatever the style, the key to a successful herb garden is to work with nature and understand that your garden has a unique growing needs and conditions that distinguish it from any other garden.
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