A large number of people are turning to earth-friendly herbal solutions in an attempt to avoid chemical insecticides. Interestingly, many of the aromas of herbs that we find pleasant, insects find unpleasant. Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Eucalyptus are among insect-repelling herbs. They can be rubbed on the skin to repel mosquitoes and gnats.

Garlic and chili peppers are potent insect repellents and they should be plant in vegetable and flower gardens as companions to keep away a whole host of chewing insects. A mixture of chili peppers and garlic liquefied in a blender and mixed with water can be used as a spray to effectively protect plants. Other herbs with insect-repelling properties are pennyroyal, peppermint, pyrethrum, southernwood and tansy.

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Thyme is a small, bushy perennial with hard, branching stems growing about 25 to 30 cm high. The leaves are small, ovate and grayish-green in color and the flowers are small and white to lilac. Thyme is a native of the Mediterranean region. It is very well known as a culinary and medicinal herb. It is easy to grow and a delightful plant. It likes a sunny position and well-drained soil to grow happily in your garden.

There is a large number of varieties and cultivars with different growing habits, leaf color and flavors. The most common variety, cultivated in home gardens, is the common or garden Thyme. It can be grown by division, layering or from seeds. Harvest the plant in the early stage of flowering, in spring, as it stops growing in hot summer conditions.

Thyme can be used fresh or dried in the kitchen: in bouquet garni, stuffing or summer salad and as a herb tea: for the treatment of sore throat, cough and digestive complaints.

Thyme

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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.

The inner squares are used to grow annual herbs such as parsley, basil, chervil or chamomile. These can be rotated with deferent herb beds each year.

Very small spaces can be effectively planted using a guardant plan. The design was very popular with Colonial gardens.
A quadrant garden can be rather plain in design. However, it can be decorated, by using color paving for the paths and by placing an ornament such as a Sun Clock in the center of the garden, and transform it into a head turning herb garden.

Quadrant Garden

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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.

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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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.

If the garden is large a bench can be your spot where in the evenings or weekends you can soak up peace and aromas of a timeless garden away from the 21st century life.

Knot Garden

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