I was recently invited to visit the garden of a friend of mine. She is an earthy sort of person and blends the usual garden fair with a host of different herbs. Her cottage is set in sunshine, with a flagstone path leading to a quiet spot in a shaded corner off the back. This is where the tour began and we strolled the garden with a glass of home made iced mint tea. Herbs are not necessarily the most exciting plant on first sight, but once you learn the value of each the garden becomes a bouquet of Mother Nature's tapestry.

Placement of herbs in the garden may be by use, plan or pattern, or just random. In this garden my friend has several ingenious planters. From our own GIRO she created planters from barrels, casserole bowls, and wicker baskets and yes, even a bathtub!  In the centre of the garden is a beautiful kitchen sink complete with taps, sitting upon a cement pillar. She tells me our large garbage pick up, when we had this service, was her best source of creative planters!  The sink birdbath is the centrepiece, and around it she has planted a knot garden. Gracing the pillar is a wide circle of fragrant lavender, and around that is a low ring of white heather. Curved borders and raised planters meander around the edge of her garden. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme are planted close to the kitchen area for easy harvest, as is basil, oregano, chives and dill. Several varieties of mint occupy the bathtub, and a terra cotta pot of catmint lures cats there instead of other forbidden areas of the garden. The rest of the garden billows with tall yellow heads of tansy, lemon verbena, chamomile, borage, and far more of this than I could ever remember. Her advice to new gardeners is to go to one of our many fine nurseries on the island and learn what to plant where.

Uses of herbs seem to be endless. Some, like lemon balm make a soothing tea, witch hazel is an old medicinal remedy, bay leaf adds flavour to a stew, and rosemary will make hair shine. Some herbs mixed with regular cold cream can make a gentle face cream, and sage can make teeth whiter. A bouquet of herbs mixed with cutting flowers makes a delightful arrangement!

Armed with my new knowledge I have started to create a space for my own herb garden. Under the tutelage of my friend I will have a selection of species to use, share and enjoy. The climate of Gabriola is just right for this type of gardening, and almost any area here can be cultivated. If not, herbs can be grown in containers. I close with a simple recipe using herbs. I hope you catch the Feverfew and add some Loveage to your garden!

ICED MINT TEA

1 litre. cold tea. (China or India)
6 crushed mint leaves
4 thin slices lemon or orange rind
sugar or sweetener to taste
Crushed ice
lemon slices and mint leaves

To ice tea add 4 slices of lemon and 4 slices of orange. 
Add 6 crushed mint leaves and let stand in fridge over night.
Strain the mixture and pour over ice in tall glasses.
Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and a mint leaf.

Come to my garden. I would love to serve you tea.