Project Highlight: The Herb Garden

By Cherry PayneIf you struggle with gardening in our harsh climate, herbs may be just the plants for you. Many are well-adapted to hot, dry, and sunny environments—indeed, thymes, sages, mints, and marjorams are native to the Middle East. These and other herbs were cultivated for their medicinal uses. Romans spread herbs to Europe, where many adapted to local environments. When colonists came to the Americas from Europe, they brought cherished herbs: soapwort, comfrey, yarrow, and chamomile, species that naturalized to local environments. Native peoples used regional herbs such as bergamot. Generally undemanding, herbs flourish in the New Mexico sun.Herbs—aromatic or savory—are used for their fragrance, to garnish or flavor food, and in some cases, for medicinal or spiritual purposes. Either the leafy green parts or the flowers of some herbs can enhance food and may be incorporated fresh or dried; spices, on the other hand, are usually dried and made from other parts of the plant. Generally, herbs are used in small amounts and do not add substance to food.Locals have a wonderful opportunity to learn about herbs at the Master Gardener demonstration herb garden, on the county fairgrounds. The garden displays a variety of herbs and ornamentals—45 specimens in all. Visit on a warm day to breath in their distinctive fragrances and to see how appealing these plants are to pollinators.To the right of the entrance gate is a box with a handout keyed to numbered stones next to plants. Careful observation allows herb enthusiasts to see a variety of mints, lavenders, oreganos, thymes, sages, and parsleys, as well as individual specimens of fennel, rosemary, cilantro, and lovage. Special ornamentals include trumpet vine (a hummingbird favorite) at the garden gate, hollyhocks, purple coneflowers, and rose of Sharon. There are some very happy blackberry plants along the west fence that the Herb Garden team must wrestle to contain in their designated area.Cat lovers will find specimens of catmint, able to withstand the affections of feline admirers once established (though we recommend cat owners keep their pets indoors for cat safety and that of birds and other small critters).Many herbs do well in pots and containers. The Herb Garden has a few pots nestled in the garden beds. When placed in appropriate microclimates, some potted herbs can survive our cold yet sunny winters outside, while others must be brought inside to ride out the chilly months.To learn more about these fragrant plants, where to find them locally, and how to grow, harvest, dry, and use them, come to the Let’s Grow event at the Herb Garden on September 8, from 9 to 11 a.m. It’s free and open to all—no registration required.