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aka Elephant Garlic

This is slow growing and forms a very large bulb. Individual corms have a mild sweet taste (especially when roasted) and are less intense than regular Garlic. Plant in Jun, harvest Dec. Plant no deeper than 2 cloves depth. Feed well balanced NPK fertiliser.

Garlic loves a sunny, well drained spot in fertile soil. Once harvested, around Christmas time, leave to dry in a warm, sunny spot until the leaves wrinkle and turn brownish. Then take the leaves off and store your bulbs whole in a cool airy place until required. NB Elephant Garlic does not store for as long as regular Garlic but once you get the taste of it that shouldn't be a problem. This is a hard necked variety.

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aka Garlic

A culinary soft neck Garlic with a premium flavour. Forms large, firm, white skinned cloves. Companion plant as aphid deterrent. Plant in a sunny, well drained spot with the 'pointy' end up in Jun, harvest Dec. Feed monthly with a general purpose fertiliser, water regularly.

Once you have dug your Garlic up around Christmas time (6 months after planting). Leave to dry in a warm dry spot until the leaves die down. Then break the leaves off and store whole in the pantry until you are ready to use. Home grown fresh Garlic has an exquisite sweet flavour that is hard to beat. Bon appetit.

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Lemon balm loses much of its flavor when dried, so it is a seasonal delight to be enjoyed while the weather is mild and the plant is green. However, enough of the fragrance remains when this herb is dried to make it a delightful addition to potpourri.

Like many other herbs, lemon balm can lose its flavor in cooking, so add it near the end of the cooking process. The fresh lemon fragrance and flavor go nicely with both chicken and fish dishes, as well as fruit and fruit juice drinks. Create your own herbal tea by cutting a few stems of lemon balm (plus any other appealing herbs), putting them in a pitcher, pour boiling water over them, and allow them to steep for about 15 minutes. Enjoy your tea hot or over ice.

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aka Citronella grass

Fragrant swaying grass that will add texture and movement as well as contrast among more compact plants. Used in cooking and for making tea. Ideal container plant or in a border or garden bed.

The oil is antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral. Also used as an antidepressant, to soothe aches and pains, to relieve stress. If drunk before bed will induce sleep. Effective for headaches and respiratory problems. Pour boiling water over sliced leaves and steep for 5 minutes for Lemongrass tea. Sweeten as desired. Can be dried for tea, potpourri or cooking.

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aka Citronella grass

Tall, densely tufted, aromatic clumping stalks. Foliage is cut before fully mature. The tender white part of the stalk is used for adding to dishes, the remainder can be used for stocks, dried or a cuppa tea. Arching leaves of pale blue green colour to 90cm long. Semi-hardy perennial that goes dormant in winter.

Used in Asian cookery. Pour boiling water over sliced leaves and steep for 5 minutes for Lemongrass tea. Sweeten as desired. Can be dried for tea, potpourri or cooking.

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aka Lovage

This is a tall addition to the garden and often placed at the back of the border. It is a good idea to start a new plant every few years. Lovage prefers a rich soil that retains moisture well. It likes full sun in cool climates or partial shade where summers are very hot.

Leaves and stems used as a savoury flavouring in salads, soups, stews etc, imparting a yeasty/celery flavour.

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Country Cream is a hardy, bushy perennial, which although aromatic and can be used in Italian, Greek, Mexican dishes, is mostly used for ornamental purposes. Loves a sunny spot in rich well drained soil. It forms a dense mat and a small pink flower. Trim back regularly to maintain shape and vigour.

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Sweet Marjoram is a rich, sweet tasting herb, that is used interchangeably with oregano. It has tender leaves and stems, grows well just about anywhere, and is a great kitchen windowsill garden choice. A tender plant. Consider your marjoram to be an annual.

Cut back juicy stems and leaves as they grow. Sweet marjoram will provide you with multiple cuttings in one season. Cut the soft stems and leaves and add at the end of the cooking time. Use a small amount to begin with. Marjoram boasts a more powerful flavor than the same amount of oregano.

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aka Mint Common

There are several forms of Garden Mint, the true variety being of bold, upright growth, with fairly large and broad leaves, pointed and sharply serrated (or toothed) at the edges and of a rich, bright, green colour. Cut back in Autumn for new winter growth.

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A hardy perennial that is the Basil you have when you don’t have any Basil. Spreads easily so container planting may be a good option.

Add late in the cooking as the mint aroma fades quickly. Finely chop leaves and use them in salad dressings, marinades and sauces. Add to salads and vegetables for an exotic flavour. Tastes a lot like Sweet Basil so partners well with similar strong flavoured herbs.