It makes sense to plant what your family uses most in terms of herbs. That is the basis for my top 10 herbs.
This can be thrown into just about anything from salads to the cooking pot. It provides a beautiful smell to the kitchen and adds amazing flavour to so many dishes. I just wish it grew all year round. It will start to die off around autumn after it flowers so cut the flowers off as they appear to get the most out of its growing season, this will also help the pant keep its flavour. There is nothing better than a big bunch of fresh pesto made with the basil from your garden.
2. Thyme
Is easy to grow and goes well with tomato dishes as well as some seafood dishes. It has a beautiful scent so take some cuttings and tie them into a bunch and hang them somewhere in the kitchen to provide a fresh smell to that space.
3. Rosemary
Is a fantastic plant to have in the garden because you can take from it all year round and it goes with so many foods. In winter when the selection of fresh herbs in the garden is reduced, it is great to be able to put some fresh Rosemary in your Sunday roast to enhance the flavour provide some freshness to your dish. In a way it keeps you warm through winter…metaphorically speaking.
4. Parsley
Is great because it is one of the few herbs that doesn’t mind a bit of shade and grows well in a pot so it can be moved around and kept in that corner where nothing else does that well. This in theory should be at the top of my list because it can be used in so many ways and in so many dishes. You could just about sprinkle some parsley on everything that you present.
5. Mint
Not only is fantastic to have on hand for summer cocktails but it also goes well in some stir fry and fish dishes mixed with other herbs. It likes to grow in part shade with a fair bit of water. I have seen in thrive in shaded areas under dripping taps. Keep it confined in a pot as it will want to spread throughout the garden.
6. Oregano
Think of an Italian dish with tomatoes and oregano will most likely be a good accompaniment. It grows well in soil with good drainage. Harvest it regularly to keep it dense and prevent it from going woody, this will also promote new growth.
7. Chives
Chives are relatively easy to grow in a sunny aspect. They will die off over Winter but should come back the next growing season. They add flavour to many dishes including eggs and if you are out of onions, chives can make a good substitute.
8. Coriander
I get mixed reports with this one. Some people can’t kill it and some can’t grow it. It grows well kept moist and in part shade. It grow well from seed also. Coriander is a fantastic flavour enhancer so having it on hand through the summer months is really handy, especially considering it is about $2.50 per bunch in the supermarkets.
9. Lemon Myrtle
Is a wonderful Australian plant that can be used in cooking or in teas. Its leaf has the most amazing scent. I give it to my kids to keep in their pockets and smell throughout the day. They love it.
10. Curry Plant I am cheating a little bit with this one because the curry plant is rarely if ever used in cooking. It does smell like curry so it has a beautiful scent but in terms of flavour it is pretty mild. I use it purely for its aesthetic appeal. Its silver grey foliage adds a different colour to enhance the look of my herb garden and it can be trimmed and mounded and contained in whichever way you wish to create a contrast in textures.
Matt Leacy, Founder & Landscape Designer, LANDART offer complete project management of your outdoor space – from design and construction through to on-doing maintenance and horticulture advice- as well as tailored packages to suit individual needs. With an emphasis on innovative design, quality materials and professional service, our friendly, well-presented team create beautiful, well-crafted gardens that both inspire and impress. We are One Team – designer, building and sustaining beautiful spaces with clear and concise communications with all of our clients.
No comments:
Post a Comment