Page 20 - IFV Issue 3_2024

Gardening

WATER-WISE PLANTS FOR

YOUR KITCHEN GARDEN

hile summer usually means A good-sized planting hole is needed,
rain, it can also mean long improved with a top-quality organic
Wperiods of sun beating fertiliser, some bonemeal for root
down on your garden. Below are the development and some added organic
plants most likely to survive, but even matter in the form of compost. Once
those classified as water-wise need a planted, make sure to give the plant a
good start in life. Give them that, and really good watering and then repeat
when they’re established, they will be this until it is well established. Mulch
fully equipped to deal with whatever around the base of the plant will make
the sun throws at them. it even more resilient.

The herb garden
Herbs are for more than just windowsill
gardens – some of them can be
incredibly effective and beautiful in a
water-wise garden. Here are some herbs
that will shrug off the sun to thrive in dry
conditions:

Sage gives us a clue as to how it copes Chives are drought tolerant once
with dry conditions – its silvery-green established, and are a more useful herb
leaves. Plants with silver or grey leaves in the kitchen than given credit for. Plant
are often very drought hardy, as the in full sun and water when the soil has
lighter colour reflects sunlight, reducing dried out. Snip off a few leaves when
the temperature of the leaves and you need a subtle onion flavour in a
therefore the amount of moisture they meal, and enjoy the pretty flowers in the
lose. Sage is very useful in the kitchen, garden.
but it deserves its place in the garden for
Oregano is a staple in Mediterranean its attractive appearance alone.
and Italian cuisines, and its pungent,
earthy flavour is used widely in all Marjoram is a delicate and aromatic
manner of dishes. It loves well-draining herb that is known for its mild and
soil and full sun conditions, and needs slightly sweet flavour, and is often used
space to spread – it will form a low, to add a subtle herbal taste to soups,
bushy mound that will need to be stews, sauces and marinades. Marjoram
clipped to avoid becoming leggy. is also used in herbal teas for its potential
relaxation and digestive benefits. Low-
growing and spreading, it is a really low-
maintenance plant.

18 • Issue 3 2024 • The Villager