It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver
Aromatic and medicinal plants are strong and resistant species, which often survive with both hot climates or in cold climates, and are hardly attacked by pests or diseases by fungi that may affect their development. Besides the undisputed culinary and medicinal properties, these plants are sometimes very decorative, beautiful to the eye, with colorful and fragrant flowers. But we must choose the garden area that best suits the needs of each plant, and we must also prepare the ground carefully, in which we intend to plant them. Planting carefully chosen, offers year-round color and texture, and even fragrance and some protection on a windy day.
The right place for a garden of aromatic plants
In the election of the corner of the garden dedicated to the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, should pay special attention to locate the place less exposed to sources of pollution (neighbouring streets, traffic, etc.).
Among the variables which are very important for the calculation of the choice of the place, are:
1) sun exposure
Some plants are lovers of light, and for a prosperous development, they need to grow in areas exposed to direct sunlight for several hours a day, but other plants grow well only if they grow in the shade or complete darkness.
2) the exposure to the wind
Almost all plants, even the most resistant, must be protected from the wind with great care. We must therefore identify the protected position, that will guarantee some protection from too much excessive cold plants.
3) soil type
Almost always it is necessary to choose a well-drained soils, in order to avoid standing water feared, causing problems without end for plants and their care. In fact, excess moisture, in addition to promoting the development of fungal diseases, negatively affects the quality of medicinal and aromatic plants. Therefore, you should usually avoid clay soils where there is an excessive water retention with the consequences described above, also should be taken care to avoid soil too rich, in fact, the development of vegetation decrease the amount of active and aromatic compounds in the plant. In general, the best choice for this type of garden of aromatic plants, is a light and slightly alkaline soil, facing South in areas with cooler climates, and well protected from drafts.
Plants and balsamic time
Collection of medicinal and aromatic plants for conservation should always be performed during the balsamic each species. Balsamic time is the time when the presence, on the floor, essential oils and aromatic principles is at its peak. It should be recalled that these characteristics also depend on the age of the plant, in the character of the seasons and time of harvest.
This is a general scheme for the collection of different aromatic plants
- March: caper, gentian
- April: Marigold, dandelion
- May: Mallow, sorrel, Chamomile, parsley
- June: Borage, tarragon, Mallow, yarrow, Rosemary, rue, Sage, thyme
- July: laurel, wormwood, basil, cumin, Artemis, hyssop, lavender, Melissa, mint, oregano, mustard
- August: garlic, onion, coriander, fennel, iris, hops, marjoram, savoury red pepper, parsley, celery
- September: dill, capers, angelica, Marigold, dandelion, horseradish
- October: Juniper, gentian, mallow, mauve
- November: laurel
Some examples of these plants garden design
Perfumed Garden
How to create a corner with the delicious fragrance of the flowers, which in summer extends everywhere. Used species are flowering in summer, bloom simultaneously and are predominantly white. Species are all plants of bulb, with the exception of Nepeta, a perennial herbaceous, blue-purple, and besides an exquisite perfume of flowers, a persistent fragrance of the leaves. All species are grown in the ground and not in pots.
Coverage for the bees
The planting of a hedge of trees for bees guarantees a continuous production of nectar and pollen, from February to September. Requires a great production of pollen at the start of the season and a great production of nectar, from April to July.
- Linden
- false acacia
- Cherry
- Hazel (Hazel)
- monte plum
- Viburnum opalus (pink Sabuco)
- monte rosa
- henna
- wild cherry tree
- dandelion
- white Espirea
- clover
- ipomea (frightens wolves)
- Lotus corniculatus (Rooster foot)
- mauve
