Grow to improve your wellbeing!
Saturday, May 1st, 2010
Herbs were grown in the early monastery gardens (indeed, the designs of some of the most stunning modern herb gardens owe a great deal to early monastic plans).
During the Medieval period, many herb gardens were enclosed and entry barred by gates. Seating areas and delightful arbours featured in many of them - and they were used as places for relaxation.
By the Renaissance period, the sight and sound of water played an important part and fountains or other features were often located at a central point.
Topiary was introduced and the knot garden, more-or-less the English equivalent of French parterres, became very popular. (The lavender, rosemary and other aromatic hedges were frequently used as ‘perches' on which to dry laundry - which thus acquired a delightful scent!)
Over time, more and more plants were ‘discovered' and ‘physic gardens' became very important to both horticulturists and those practising medicine. ‘Gardening books' began to appear and were read at least as avidly as their modern equivalents are today- and ‘celebrity gardeners' began to enjoy publicity somewhat similar to that of their modern counterparts. What goes around certainly does come around!
Then things went a little quiet on the herb front for a few years in the UK. But when they were ‘rediscovered' (largely, it has to be said, as a result of their popularity with celebrity chefs), they quickly caught on within our kitchens. Nowadays a fair percentage of the windowsills in Britain are home to a potted herb or two. Tubs and pots and baskets of herbs argue for space in sunny spots - and entire areas of the garden are increasingly being devoted to herb production.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Sometimes perceived as a ‘modern' herb but, in actuality, it has been in use for thousands of years. Certainly it was used by both the ancient Egyptians and Hindus for medicinal purposes - and they also attached it to a variety of rituals.
Eating garlic regularly is said to help to build up the immune system and ward off infection. It helps to reduce blood pressure and, crushed and made into an infusion, it can relieve colds and coughs. Steeped in oil and applied to wounds, it is said to have antiseptic properties - and it can also be applied to relieve sprains - and is believed by some sufferers to be effective in the relief of rheumatic pains.
It is not, as sometimes supposed, a recent introduction into UK kitchens as a result of travelling abroad: in fact, it was very popular with the Romans - and it was the Anglo-Saxons who were responsible for its common name!
Garlic is cultivated all round the world - and the good news from the perspective of those new to herb-growing - the majority of varieties are very easy to grow! It is best to buy cloves from a nursery or garden centre - although those bought in the supermarket might grow!
Growing Garlic
Garlic enjoys well-drained soil in a sunny location. Prepare the ground well. Plant the cloves about 2 inches deep and 6 - 9 inches apart. (Note: some gardeners use it as a deterrent to greenfly and plant it accordingly; it may help - a little!)
Garlic is ready to ‘lift' once the tops turn yellow. Using a border fork, lift gently, remove the soil and lay out in a sunny spot to dry (when rain threatens, take indoors!). Once dried, the plants can be braided or plaited or simply bunched intact. Hang them somewhere dry and not too warm. (A warm, moist atmosphere will cause them to begin to grow!)
Once garlic has been grown, there is no requirement to buy more cloves from the garden centre - unless wanting to try different varieties. Simply retain some of the best cloves for planting later in the year (December is a good month).
Plaited garlic makes a delightful gift for a friend or relative- and is far healthier than a box of chocolates!
Hadlow offers a wide range of career (including degree) and recreational courses for horticulturists and gardeners. Telephone: 0500 551434 for information. www.hadlow.ac.uk
