You might have seen my backyard deck makeover last Friday. Now I’m hoping to make just as dramatic of a change to my front yard.
I went to a class on herbs yesterday at my CSA farm. I was inspired, and realized that it would be much cheaper if I planted perennial herbs in the ground rather than try to squeeze them into planter boxes (reserving the boxes for annuals which I could try to take inside overwinter).
But where to plant them? I knew DH wouldn’t agree to more lumber and raised bed soil expenditures, which is the only way I know to garden since our yard is full of tree roots and rocks. Then he reminded me of the front yard perennial beds, where he recently ripped out some shrubs which were scraggly.
You can see from the photo above that I haven’t cleaned it out yet this year. I’ve decided that yes, it’s a perfect candidate for adding some perennial herbs. I know for sure I’m going to take out the lamb’s ears and spring bulbs. I think I’ll keep the hostas and mums. I’m definitely keeping the chives–which we didn’t even realize were chives until I brought some home from a CSA pickup and DH said “hey, that looks like what’s growing in our flower bed.”
Now I need to figure out how to amend the soil–I am guessing that’s the reason some of the flowers haven’t done so well over the past few years.
Wish me luck, and if you have any tips please let me know!
Update on the vegetable garden
My spring bed is doing wonderfully! We had lots of rain last week, so the peas and lettuces and kales are really starting to take shape. I did some thinning of the peas (did you know you can eat them?) and a little thinning of the Asian stir fry mix. Trying to wait until they are a few inches high so I can use them in a stir fry.
We have two weeks until our last frost date, so in the meantime I’ll be focusing on getting the perennial herbs planted.
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I think using some of the Vermont Compost Greg talked about yesterday might be enough to amend the soil. Just a handful in the hole, then after planting the herb, another cup around the plant. I don’t know how expensive it is, but I think a bag would go far when used like he suggested. I think the front would be a perfect spot for the perennial herbs. Maybe put some kind of little fencing around it to keep from stepping on them….
great ideas! I am so excited to get planting.
Not sure what you mean by “amend” but my dad takes old soil and puts it into 9 x 13 pans and bakes it in the oven for a while (low temp) and it kills the bad stuff and you’re good to go. Not sure how much soil you have but you could try it. He only does this for potted items and not for his very large garden.
I had never heard of that before! Thanks for the idea.
Maybe go a bit sparingly on amendments… If you’re growing herbs exclusively, you may not want your soil overly rich; many herbs are of Mediterranean origin and evolved in relatively lean soils. Too much water, too much fertilization can make the plants a little soft. Heat and lean growing conditions are, as I understand it, lead to maximum production of volatile oils, from whence peak flavor…
Not generally included with culinary herbs, but hope you think to put in some lavender! Interesting made into simple syrup and used in lemonade — gorgeous color if made with some crushed (and strained out after “steeping”) blueberries. Jann Johnson in, “Shortbread 30 sweet + savory recipes” (Chronicle Books), has a wonderful recipe for sandy-textured Lavender Shortbread! The cookies smell rather like “eating perfume” and I roll them in purple decorating sugar so that people think they “taste purple.” A great addition to a “Ladies’ Tea” or other summery occasion…
Mmm, I did buy a lavender plant. A friend of mine makes lavender wit (beer) that is to die for.
We’ve got terribly tree-root-ridden soil as well and have found that turning the soil down about 12 – 18 inches has helped *tremendously* in getting plants to grow.
Hope your garden turns out well!
Do you just use a shovel? Or some other magical tool? (unfortunately I don’t think a rototiller could make it through the roots)
We used a shovel, pick-ax and *lots* of elbow grease. The first year we did this (last year) was terrible, but it was pretty easy this year. We also sifted out all of the little rocks in the dirt (UGH!) and I think that helped a lot as well.