Page 24 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 2_2024

GARDENING
Initiative

WATER-WISE PLANTS FOR YOUR
KITCHEN GARDEN

While summer usually means THE HERB GARDEN therefore the amount of moisture they
rain, it can also mean long Herbs are for more than just windowsill lose. Sage is very useful in the kitchen,
periods of sun beating down on gardens – some of them can be incredibly but it deserves its place in the garden for
Syour garden. Below are the plants effective and beautiful in a water-wise its attractive appearance alone.
most likely to survive, but even those garden. Here are some herbs that will shrug
classified as water-wise need a good start off the sun to thrive in dry conditions: Chives are drought tolerant once
in life. Give them that, and when they’re established, and are a more useful herb
established, they will be fully equipped Oregano is a staple in Mediterranean and in the kitchen than given credit for. Plant
to deal with whatever the sun throws at Italian cuisines, and its pungent, earthy in full sun and water when the soil has
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 full need a subtle onion flavour in a meal, and
A good-sized planting hole is needed, sun conditions, and needs space to spread enjoy the pretty flowers in the garden.
improved with a top-quality organic – it will form a low, bushy mound that will
fertiliser, some bonemeal for root need to be clipped to avoid becoming leggy. Marjoram is a delicate and aromatic herb
development and some added organic that is known for its mild and slightly sweet
matter in the form of compost. Once Sage gives us a clue as to how it copes flavour, and is often used to add a subtle
planted, make sure to give the plant a with dry conditions – its silvery-green herbal taste to soups, stews, sauces and
really good watering and then repeat leaves. Plants with silver or grey leaves marinades. Marjoram is also used in herbal
this until it is well established. Mulch are often very drought hardy, as the teas for its potential relaxation and digestive
around the base of the plant will make lighter colour reflects sunlight, reducing benefits. Low-growing and spreading, it is
it even more resilient the temperature of the leaves and a really low-maintenance plant.
24
DPL

18 DPL issue 1 2024issue 2 2024
24 DPL issue 1 2024