Page 12 - Cornwall Issue 2_2024

GARDENING

WATER-WISE PLANTS FOR YOUR

KITCHEN GARDEN

hile summer usually THE HERB GARDEN therefore the amount of moisture they
means rain, it can also Herbs are for more than just windowsill lose. Sage is very useful in the kitchen,
mean long periods of sun gardens – some of them can be incredibly but it deserves its place in the garden for
Wbeating down on your effective and beautiful in a water-wise its attractive appearance alone.
garden. Below are the plants most likely garden. Here are some herbs that will shrug
to survive, but even those classified as off the sun to thrive in dry conditions: Chives are drought tolerant once
water-wise need a good start in life. Give established, and are a more useful herb
them that, and when they’re established, Oregano is a staple in Mediterranean and in the kitchen than given credit for. Plant
they will be fully equipped to deal with Italian cuisines, and its pungent, earthy in full sun and water when the soil has
whatever the sun throws at them. flavour is used widely in all manner of dried out. Snip off a few leaves when you
dishes. It loves well-draining soil and need a subtle onion flavour in a meal, and
A good-sized planting hole is needed, full sun conditions, and needs space to enjoy the pretty flowers in the garden.
improved with a top-quality organic spread – it will form a low, bushy mound Marjoram is a delicate and aromatic herb
fertiliser, some bonemeal for root that will need to be clipped to avoid that is known for its mild and slightly
development and some added organic becoming leggy. sweet flavour, and is often used to add
matter in the form of compost. Once Sage gives us a clue as to how it copes a subtle herbal taste to soups, stews,
planted, make sure to give the plant a with dry conditions – its silvery-green sauces and marinades. Marjoram is
really good watering and then repeat leaves. Plants with silver or grey leaves also used in herbal teas for its potential
this until it is well established. Mulch are often very drought hardy, as the relaxation and digestive benefits. Low-
around the base of the plant will make lighter colour reflects sunlight, reducing growing and spreading, it is a really low-
it even more resilient. the temperature of the leaves and maintenance plant.
10 Cornwall View • Issue 2 2024
18 Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 1 • 2024