Herbs

Herbs have been grown in gardens for hundreds of years: most have a long history, handed down from generation to generation, with uses from medicine to cosmetics and beauty products to flavouring cooking.

They're easy-going plants which can be tucked into almost any corner of the garden, but to plunge yourself into their fascinating world dedicate a sunny spot to a herb garden. You'll find it's full of fragrance and flowers all summer: and best of all, it'll quickly become part of your daily routine to pick peppermint for your tea, marigolds to brew up some face cream, or a bay leaf or two for the evening meal.

To start you off, here are some essential herbs for your herb garden from the wide selection in our garden centre in Henley on Thames:

Culinary: Mediterranean herbs to give your cooking flavour and colour, these include rosemary, bay, thyme, marjoram and parsley.

Medicinal: make teas and tisanes to boost your health and well-being with peppermint, chamomile, echinacea and lemon balm.

Cosmetic: moisturising cream, hair dye and face packs are all possible from herbs grown in your garden: try marigolds, soapwort (Saponaria), catmint and witch hazel.

Please ask the staff in our Henley on Thames garden centre for more information and advice about growing herbs.