Are you going to Scarborough fair?
Are you going to Scarborough Fair? The Scarborough fair of the nursery rhyme has been in existence for a thousand years, so there’s no need to rush, but I most certainly would go if I knew that I could find parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme in abundance!
In pots on patio steps, or in raised beds or planters in reach of the kitchen door, fresh herbs are a delight. Cooking with fresh herbs is such an enjoyable experience. It is all too easy to pick up a pack or jar of dried herbs at the supermarket. If your culinary herbs are planted near to the back door you can nip out and pick them as required. Even if it’s late, and dusk has turned into night, you will still be able to see what you are picking with the lights from the house.
There are many advantages to growing herbs in either raised beds or containers. It adds another level to the garden, it allows you to adjust the soil composition to suit the herbs you are growing, and it makes harvesting them easier if you find bending difficult.
Herbs have been an integral part of the kitchen garden since records began. One of the earliest recorded use of herbs was c.3000 BC. The Sumerians used thyme in the process of mummification. The Greeks also used it in massage oils, incense and medicines. There is a lot of history and folklore associated with herbs. Some of the earliest herb gardens were planted c.4000 years ago in Egypt. In the 2nd century European monasteries laid out herbs in rectangles, but by Elizabethan times they had moved on to the formal knot garden. Vegetables were often referred to as ‘pot herbs’ and you can still find this term associated with herbs, like ‘pot marjoram’ and ‘pot marigold’ today.
If you are planting a new herb garden you need to consider the space you have available. Herb gardens which allow you to walk either through them, or around them, are great in larger gardens, but not so practical if you have a small garden. The most important thing you need to remember is accessibility. You have to be able to pick the herbs that you plant! If you do not have a garden, or if space is very limited, herb gardens can be created in large containers or even window boxes. For a more modern, contemporary look choose galvanised or stainless steel. For a more traditional style choose terracotta or glazed pottery.
Most culinary herbs need a well-drained, fertile soil in order to thrive. If you have heavy, clay based soil you will need to lighten it with well rotted compost. For Mediterranean herbs a coarse horticultural grit should be also added to the soil. Don’t use builder’s grit as this can contain lime, salt and other impurities which will burn tender roots.
There are so many herbs for you to choose from - hundreds of them in fact! If your tendency is to cook Mediterranean style dishes and you have a finite amount of space to grow herbs then choose from Basil, lemon thyme, Broad-leaved sage, Dwarf marjoram, oregano, Rosemary, Tarragon, Creeping savory, sorrel or Rock hyssop. There are many other Mediterranean herbs but these are my personal favourites. There is an aroma, which can only remind you of warm, sunny climes, emitted when these herbs are picked!
Mint is another favourite herb of mine. It is the perfect accompaniment for English spring lamb. It is an invasive plant though, so you are well advised to plant it in a tub or planter. If you plant it directly into soil and do not restrict it’s roots it will eventually take over. You have been warned!
As well as having good flavours many herbs have wonderfully coloured leaves and flowers. A mixture of reds and purples can look very stunning and eye catching. Ruby chard, Red amaranth, Beta vulgaris, Purple sage, Perilla frutescens and Chinese red-hot water pepper would be good choices for a red and purple planting scheme.
Other herbs such as Chervil, Lavender, angelica, Borage and Chives are also available from your local garden centre or you can buy seeds on line from several reputable companies.
Oh, and did I mention Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme? I probably did somewhere, but if not I could always nip down to Scarborough Fair and get some!
Debbie Jones has decades of experience in the floristry business. In addition to high quality and artistic floristry, Debbie produces beautiful themed cakes, is a wonderful cook and general manager and now writes articles! Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cooking-tips-articles/are-you-going-to-scarborough-fair-862167.html
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