All posts tagged chilli

For some time now, I’ve been wanting to make a proper plan for our much anticipated vege garden. Before I knew it, the seasons have raced away from me and that lovely warm weather has been calling me outside (well at least until it gets too hot).

First things first though … one thing that we really need for cooking, is ready access to fresh herbs. Our current herb garden, while lovely, is woefully inadequate – it consists of one beautiful basil shrub … oh, and a virtually indestructible aloe vera plant. We really want to make the move from herb gardening in-a-pot, to herb gardening in-the-backyard (in a raised garden bed to make the whole process much easier).

Based on what we eat (or what we should be eating), I’ve been working on exactly what we should include in our future herb garden … but I’d definitely welcome any further ideas. Here’s a look at the list of goodies I’ve come up with so far …

Some Usual Suspects:

• Parsley – This is always a herb classic, if only as a garnish.
• Thyme – I use this in quite a few recipes, I’ll just have to choose a variety.
• Lemon Balm – I’ve grown this one before, and love the fragrance of its leaves.
• Garlic Chives – These seem to be a better option to ordinary chives, which don’t last.
• Basil – Because you can never have too much of a good thing.
• Coriander – Sure, I’ll give this one another go (though I never have much luck with it).
• Oregano – A much needed accompaniment to pizza.
• Sage – Just because I like the name.
• Mint – Guaranteed to grow well, even with my lazy approach to gardening.

Some Bigger Suspects:

• Rocket – I love this for a bit of diversity in a salad.
• Chilli – These are super fun and way too easy to grow.
• Curry Bush – I’m determined to use these in a recipe one day.
• Rosemary – I love this for it’s beautiful scented leaves and wonderful flavour.
• Aloe Vera – Our concession to natural first aid (so soothing on burns).
• Bay Tree – I’m still deciding whether to include this, as I killed our last one.

Some Flowery Suspects:

• French Marigolds – I love these golden flowers, and they help ward off pests.
• Nasturtium – Edible flowers that add colour, and attract helpful insects.

Do you have a herb garden yourself? Or are you wanting to start a proper one too?