Karen Lyons

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We have some of the largest herb beds in the P-Patch system. The herb beds consist of the two larger lower herb beds and a small corner of the Food Bank gardens. First, to care for herbs you have to realize that herbs are basically ‘thugs’. They are constantly trying to take over their beds and are at war with any herbs in their way. A lot of the work consists of cutting back and thinning out the plants, especially, in the Fall. Most herbs are only useful when they are not blooming. Herb flowers are excellent for pollinators, but must be cut back soon after they bloom to allow the greens to regrow. Because the Herb Beds are very important to pollinating bees, butterflies, pollinating wasps, and even hummingbirds; there are flowering plants intermixed to extend pollination beyond herb bloom. Most herbs are not demanding; compost, even watering, light fertilizer is all they need, and they have few pests or diseases. Here is a list of our current herbs. All of these are perennial. Two are tropical. Year to year we add herbs so this list is only for 2019.

 

Angelica

Anise Hyssop

Narrow Leaf Bay

Beebalm/Monarda

Calendula

Chives

Fennel (Purple)

Lavender (Purple and White)

Lovage

Lemon Balm

Marjoram

Spearmint

Peppermint

Oregano

Rosemary

Pineapple Sage

Culinary Sage

Sorrel – Culinary and Variegated

French Tarragon

Mexican Tarragon

Thyme – Common, White, and Silver

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