Here in the North Carolina Foothills, planting time is almost upon us. I must clean, trim, and spruce up my herb garden for the coming season. For the past few years, we have had boiling Summers, frigid Winters, and punishing droughts; therefore, there is much chaos in my garden.
The long, cold Winter days and nights have brought on my usual attack of Spring Fever and the need to get my hands into sun-warmed soil. My plan is to expand and improve my herb garden; therefore, other than the usual Spring cleaning, there will be inventories and intensive planning, which will include visions and angles of prospective views. There will be spading and sowing, then the excitement and expectation of germinating seeds. Later, there will be the selection of seedlings to be transplanted into the garden, between cracks, or into containers to be placed on the balcony or decks.
An herb garden can be of formal design or a natural explosion of color, texture, and fragrance - an Enchanted Garden. Herbs are extremely versatile and can also be enjoyed outside the herb garden. They can be utilized as borders or placed along walks or sometimes placed within the cracks and fissures of flagstone walks and terraces. They can be mixed and mingled with flowers and vegetables, placed in containers on balconies, decks, terraces, and porches. Plantings of popular cooking herbs are a special addition to your mailbox flower bed so that friends and neighbors, who may be out for a walk, can pluck a taste of fresh herbs. Herbs add a special beauty and fragrance when placed inside your home, especially in your kitchen for convenience, decor, and a little kitchen magic.
There is an abundance of magic to be discovered in the sunshine, in the grey of clouds and fog, in the gentle breeze, the crashing storm, and certainly in the moonlight. Incorporating all the natural elements into your herbal garden will bring surprise, delight, and enchantment to all who open themselves to the magic of the herbal tradition.
Enjoy the Essence - Be Enchanted
Aine