South African Garden and Home – September 2019

gardenandhome.co.za | SEPTEMBER 2019 101

FENNEL

Fennelseedcanbedirectsowninfullsunandwell-drained,fertilesoil.Iteasilygrows

overametretallsodon’tplantitwhereitwillshadeotherplants.It’samemberof

theparsleyfamilyandhasyellowflowersthatladybirdsandotherbeneficialinsects

adore.Fenneltendstoself-seed–oftenwhereyoudon’twantit.However,ifyou

learntorecogniseyoungseedlings,pullthemoutwhentheyappear.

SOURCE Jane’s Delicious Herbs

by Jane Griffiths (Sunbird Publishers,

jonathanball.co.za)

janesdeliciousgarden.com

How to grow these herbs
WINTER SAVORY
This hardy perennial likes well-drained
soil and full sun. A low-growing,
sprawling plant, it has fragrant white
to lilac flowers that attract bees. Avoid
overwatering and trim in spring to
encourage new growth and to keep
the plant healthy.
THYME
A hardy, unfussy perennial, thyme bears
pink and purple flowers in summer.
There are numerous varieties, including
variegated and lemon-flavoured. It does
well in a hot, dry climate. However,
it also grows happily through rainy
summers, as long as it has sufficient
sunlight and the soil is well drained.
Every year after flowering, give the
plant a trim to promote growth and

prevent it from becoming too woody

and sprawling.

MARJORAM AND OREGANO

Marjoram is more sensitive to frost and

is mostly grown as an annual. Oregano

is a hardy perennial. Both like hot

sunny places and don’t require much

water. All they need is to be trimmed

back every now and then so they don’t

become straggly.

ROSEMARY

Although its preferred climate is hot

and dry, rosemary also does well in

more temperate zones. There are many

varieties, some trailing, others compact

and bushy, with flowers ranging from

pale mauve to dark purple. Choose the

planting spot carefully as it’s a large

perennial and can live up to 20 years.

Cut it back in late spring. In frost areas,

don’t cut it back in autumn.

SEEDS OR

SEEDLINGS?

All these Mediterranean herbs can

be grown from seed, but it’s far

easier to grow them from seedlings

or propagate them from an existing

plant, using layering or cuttings. Winter savory

Lemon thyme

Rosemary

Fennel