By Fran Ott
http://crafterscommunity.com
Many garden books recommend that gardeners plant their
herbs close to the kitchen for quick and easy harvest.
While this is good advice, the reality may be that it
isn't practical to your particular situation. Perhaps your
kitchen exits into the shadiest part of your yard or into
your driveway. Even if you have a sunny patio adorned with
all your favorite potted herbs, putting some herbs back
with the rest of your garden will bring you several
rewards.
The first benefit of growing herbs is that when you are in
the kitchen cooking and need some fresh herbs you have an
excuse to get back into the garden among your plants and
flowers. For us gardeners, is there a better place to be?
Just don't get too distracted and forget that pan on the
stove.
In addition to their culinary applications, most herbs are
attractive plants that add beauty and fragrance to the
garden. Gardeners that allow some of their herbs to go to
flower are rewarded handsomely. Many herbs produce lovely
flowers that add spectacular color to the various shades
of green.
Bees and other beneficial insects are also extremely
attracted to flowering herbs. You will find a vibrant
"buzz" of activity centered around your herbs. When
planted close to your vegetables, pollination of your crop
is enhanced. Planting herbs is one of the most effective
ways to attract bees to your garden.
Gardeners want to be careful when companion planting herbs
and vegetables. Be aware that most herbs do not require as
much water as vegetables. To alleviate over watering,
plant herbs near vegetables, but not directly among them.
There are infinite possibilities when it comes to
incorporating herbs into your garden. You are only limited
by your imagination. Remember, it is your garden and only
has to please you. Your garden doesn't have to follow
strict symmetrical angles or conform to some new fad
design that is all the rave this season. I like to give
herbs prominence in the garden. I put them on a pedestal,
and make them a focal point.
I also like the way herbs and rocks work together. Gather
some rocks and start layering them, like you're building a
stone wall. You decide the size and shape, just make sure
the herbs will be easily accessible. You may want a ring,
a semicircle or a star design. When you finished with the
rocks, fill in with soil. Raised beds in a corner or two
may be all you require. Mound some soil into small hills
and ring the bottom with stones, shells or driftwood.
These informal little herb gardens scattered among your
vegetables will add interest and contrast to the straight
rows of your vegetable garden.
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