The Essential Garden

I don't know about you, but about the time the night temperature is warm enough to at least leave the window cracked open and the earth begins awakening with all it's fine greenery, I get anxious to get my hands dirty!

Yes, we are talking gardening… now I know gardening may not be for everyone, but for me and thousands of others like me, it is a very relaxing and stress reducing hobby.

First of all, let me say that anyone can garden in any climate and in any environment. So whether you are one of our newsletter subscribers from New York City, living in a high-rise apartment or located out in the swamplands of Florida, you can maintain a garden and experience the relaxing effects of this activity.

As an Aromatherapist, I'm especially focused on growing things which I use in my trade. Not only are these specimens an essential part of Aromatherapy they are among some of the most beautiful plants I grow. Therefore, today's topic is “how to plant and grow an essential oil garden.”

Essential oils, which offer many therapeutic benefits when used on or in the human body, are derived from fragrant herbs and plants and are known as the plant's “life force.” Because so many essential oils come from herbs, the garden we will be planting is in fact an herb garden, but I will discuss some of the more popular and fragrant herbs and the benefits you can expect from this low maintenance type of garden.

Garden Placement: You can locate the garden anywhere as most herbal plants prefer at least partial sun if not full sun. The soil should drain well as not many herbs will survive in soggy soil. Soil should be that of typical potting soil, if the natural soil in your area is clay, amend it so you have a blend of one part each of sand, clay and black dirt. Herbal gardens can be as big or as small as you can stand, and because so many herbs are perennials, which mean they will over-winter or come back each spring on their own, be prepared to enjoy a bigger and bigger garden each year unless you specifically divide and give away some of your plants. A very nice, tidy and convenient herb garden might be located in a clay pot just outside the kitchen entrance, or even in a small pot on a windowsill. Better yet -- consider a window garden box. Be creative -- it's your garden.

Plant Selection: It's “essential” to choose the type of herbs that your nose personally likes. I discuss in my seminars that essential oils are smelled and perceived on a very individual basis. Not all essential oils will be liked by everyone who smells them. So it is true with your essential oil garden. There are several types of herbs -- culinary herbs used in cooking, aromatic herbs used in bath waters and room misters, ornamental herbs used to dry and display in flower arrangements, etc. Be sure you pick the herbs that will bring you the most enjoyment once they are in full bloom.

Favorite Herbs and Uses: Some of the easiest to grow and most loved herbs producing both culinary and aromatic benefit are as follows:

Lavender: A perennial plant growing approximately 1-3 feet tall depending upon the variety, it has many woody branches and long spiky flowers ranging in every shade of purple, hence the name, lavender. It will grow best in a rocky, dry, sun-filled environment. It will over-winter nicely in all but the harshest of climates. This plant can be used for ornamental and aromatic purposes. Typically lavender is used in toilet waters and sachets and it is known for it's calming effects.

Basil: An annual plant, about 18 inches tall with a light green, broad leaf (which will produce a small white flower if not “pinched back”) basil is widely known in kitchens around the world as the “Italian spice,” and no respectful marinara sauce will be found without a single large basil leaf simmering among the crushed tomatoes. As soon as this plant produces large leaves, cut the fresh leaf, wash it gently, dry it on a paper towel and use it in your favorite recipes.

Peppermint and Mint: These are both perennial plants that spread on rootstalks and grow to various heights. The key word here is “spread,” if you do not want this plant to gradually overtake the garden, plant it in a separate container or sink it in a container underground so it will be less likely to spread out. The soil can be rich and moist with this particular herb and it will grow in either sun or shade. This is probably one of the most hardy of all the herbs and easiest to grow. It has both culinary and aromatic uses. Place a sprig of mint in a glass of tea or your Mint Julep during the Derby. Use its oil as flavoring or to sooth a sick stomach. Peppermint oil can be applied directly to the temples of the head to help with persistent headaches.

Rosemary: This is a very hardy evergreen shrub considered a perennial in areas where winter temperatures stay above 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The narrow leaves have a leather-like feel and a spicy, resinous fragrance. It grows best in well-drained, sunny locations in a lime-rich soil. It is a favorite culinary spice and garnish for roasts, lamb and poultry. Rosemary has a spicy, mint aroma that has been known to uplift the spirit and improve mental clarity and concentration.

Marjoram: The sweet marjoram is considered an annual plant, which means you will have to replant it each year. It is a low spreading plant, growing to a height of approximately 8 inches. It has small oval green leaves that feel velvety. It has both culinary and aromatic uses. Its aroma is slightly sweet, fresh and minty and evokes feelings of mental balance and joy. Marjoram is used in a variety of soup and bread dishes.

No matter what your preference, start your own essential oil garden today, all necessary materials can be found at your local gardening center or on the web. Some of my favorite gardening sites are:

www.Burpee.com

www.GardenGuides.com