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Docent tour of Herb Garden in September 2007. The Herb Garden contains plants traditionally used by people from the Old and New World, as well as herbs native to the American Southwest. The Oxford English Dictionary defines herbs as "plants of which the leaves, stems, or flowers are used for food or medicine, or in some way for their scent or flavour.’’ Explore this garden to find a variety of herbs for each of these uses, as well as herbs used for ceremonial purposes. Consider that both woody and non-woody plants have herbal uses. M any familiar traditional herbs originated in the dry, temperate regions and mountains of Europe and Asia where the low rainfall is similar to northern Arizona. As a result, many non-native herbs grow well as hardy perennials here in the harsh climate of Flagstaff.T he ideal setting for growing herbs in the Flagstaff area is a site that provides them with morning or midday sun, with less exposure to full afternoon sun. While most herbs can tolerate full sun, the intense high elevation sun and dry air causes many herbs to become drought-stressed and wilt if exposed to full sun the entire day. In this garden, pine trees provide shade for various periods throughout the day. The adjacent building and trees provide protection from the southwest wind. Stone walls absorb heat from the sun and provide warmer microclimates.W hen placing herbs in the garden, consider their individual needs for sun, warmth, soil richness, and drainage, and group plants with similar needs together. We’ve placed plants that need warmth near the stone wall or close to the house. Plants with large tender leaves are grown under the shade of the pine trees. Most herbs enjoy rich, moderately well-drained soils. Others from arid regions, such as lavender, rosemary, sage, and tarragon, prefer a well-drained, not-too-rich soil.W hen starting a new garden, the Arizona Herb Association recommends spading six inches of organic material, such as mature compost and well-composted manure, into the top 12 inches of soil several weeks before planting. Gypsum will help break up heavy clay. We continue to add 2 inches of composted manure each spring to give the plants the food they will need for the coming growing season and to retain soil moisture.S ome species of herbs, such as tansy and catnip, are particularly aggressive growers and have a tendency to invade large areas of the garden. Either avoid growing such invasive species or grow them in containers to eliminate their ability to spread. |
Copyright © 2007 The Arboretum at Flagstaff
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