by Matt Lavin

Perennial herbs live for more than two years. They hibernate during the colder parts of the year which means their upper parts above the soil die down, but their roots live on. The herbs lie dormant and don’t grow actively throughout the winter, but in spring they “spring” back producing new branches, leaves and flowers.

Depending on their life span, herbs are classified as annuals, biennials or perennials. My herb garden is a mixture of all three types or at least two of them. When you are planning your herb garden, decide whether you want to spend more time planting or pruning. If you are thinking of starting a perennial herb garden, be prepared to spend more time pruning.

A little bit of extra work is required if you decide to create a perennial herb garden. Be mindful when pruning perennial herbs before the winter. Leave enough branches and leaves so they can prepare themselves for the colder months. It also helps to apply a thick layer of mulch to protect roots from the frost.

Perennial herbs have established themselves in our everyday lives in many ways. We use them to enhance flavors in our cooking. Their scents and fragrances are widely used in aromatherapy. Some of them produce beautiful flowers which add ornamental value to your garden. Let’s not forget their value as companion plants. Some perennial herbs have medicinal properties too.

There are many varieties of perennial herbs and it is rather difficult to mention all of them. We all have our favorites. If you don’t have much space in your garden, the decision on which ones to grow could be based on what you are intending to use them for.

Rosemary is an herb which I enjoy very much for its perpetual green color, scent and small flowers. This bushy herb can be a ground cover or it can be trained to climb the fence. The more you trim it, the denser it becomes.

Mint comes in several varieties – peppermint, spearmint, lemon balm. Mint is an invasive herb and can easily overtake your garden. You can control it if you bury the pot with the mint in the ground. The tea made out of fresh mint leaves is very refreshing and helps digestion.

Chamomile is an herb which spreads easily. It has valuable medicinal properties and drinking chamomile tea could boost your immune system. Also, chamomile tea can calm an upset stomach.

Sage is lovely shrub with long, pale green leaves. Apart from being well used in the kitchen, sage has found its place as an alternative medicine as well as in aroma therapy. It was recommended to me to chew on a sage leave when I had a gum infection. I’ve noticed the change and improvement very quickly. I am sure you will find this perennial herb very useful.

Thyme is another shrubby looking perennial herb. It produces purple and white flowers and it can grow up to 25cm in height. Similar to sage, essential oils from thyme are widely used in aromatherapy. Thyme can be used to treat mouth infections, dandruff, arthritis and rheumatism. It can also help to boost the immune system. I don’t think I need to mention its value as a culinary herb.

Lavender is a bushy perennial herb with small, pointy looking leaves. Flowers bloom for a long time. They are pretty, violet-blue in color, shaped long and thin and have a lovely sweet smell. Lavender has been used as a muscle relaxant, pain reliever, antiseptic and an antidepressant. It can also help maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Herb gardening, whether perennial, annual or biennial is a joy. Enjoy every moment you spend in the garden tending to your precious herbs and the experience will be a very rewarding one indeed!

RawUtah’s Food Forest Summer 2010 Part 1 – The Summer 2010 update…from the backyard food forest!! Some of the beds are in full production with Summer crops…. and some are being amended and transplanted. LOVING…this whole learning process…so much to be learned..while living in this garden. The major focus now..is perennial herbs and plants of all types. Come enjoy the tour…. www.rawutah.com

Wormwood*Artemisia absinthium* 400 Herb Seeds~Perennial

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Framed Prints of DAD-1862 Ferula linkii – a tall perennial herb in full flower. Height up to 3m from Ardea Wildlife Pets

• This 30×20 Framed Print features an image chosen by Ardea Wildlife Pets. Estimated image size 762x506mm.
• Black Satin Frame Off-White Digital Mat 30×20 wooden frame with digital mat and RA4 print. Finished back including brown backing paper, hanging bracket and corner bumpers
• Image Description: DAD-1862 Ferula linkii – a tall perennial herb in full flower. Height up to 3m. Botanical Gardens. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. February. Endemic to the Canary Islands Ferula linkii David C Dixon Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in anyway. contact details tel and 44 (0) 20 8672 2067
• For any queries regarding this item please contact Ardea Wildlife Pets c/o Media Storehouse quoting Media Reference 3737532
• © David Dixon/ardea

Perennial Herbs

30×20 Framed Print, Black Satin Frame Off-White Digital Mat. , DAD-1862 Ferula linkii – a tall perennial herb in full flower. Height up to 3m. DAD-1862 Ferula linkii – a tall perennial herb in full flower. Height up to 3m. Botanical Gardens. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. February. Endemic to the Canary Islands Ferula linkii David C Dixon Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in anyway. contact

List Price: $ 119.99

Price: $ 119.99

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Perennial Herbs

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List Price: $ 51.99

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by Matt Lavin

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