Grow Your Own Magazine

Snadger · #36 (**permalink**) 16-02-2007, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denise

thinking of building one in tha back garden, i have the herbseeds and I was thinking of putting the stone bird bath OH was giving when he left his last job, it has moved to all places in the garden, not really find a home. Bless it.
Might try a flat spiral now SS love that idea, dont think ill be able to make a raised one, but planning planning planning

A stone birdbath would make a very nice central hub to the wheel!

Snadger · #37 (**permalink**) 17-02-2007, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snadger

A stone birdbath would make a very nice central hub to the wheel!

Better than the OH's idea of one of those spinning clothes driers!!!

I can just see me now taking bin bags full of wet washing to the lottie to dry, not!!!

Poledragon · #38 (**permalink**) 18-02-2007, 12:49 PM

Have been considering doing the herb spiral in my south facing, sandy, drought prone front garden. The main stumbling block I've got is where to source the stones and what kind to use. Don't want to spend a fortune, but don't have much to hand in the garden. Not close enough to a beach either!

Gryfon · #39 (**permalink**) 18-02-2007, 03:03 PM

I love the spiral idea! However all my herbs are scattered in a big bed. Although I wish I'd done a plan first as some of my markers have disappeared so it's an educated guess to what some of them are...also some of my thyme is fairly slow growing and I've got to remember it's there when I weed!

I went to the garden centre and just bought all the herbs I didn't already have

One I love is feverfew as I like the flowers though some people have told me it smells bad but I've never noticed that! Also fennel will self-seed quite happily and spread at least 4' away from the original plant! Although those little seedlings you can always pick and dry

Snadger · #40 (**permalink**) 24-02-2007, 08:37 PM

Progressed with the herb wheel today....but made a bit of a boo boo!!

Got my radius mixed up with my diameter and finished up with a 12'-0" diameter bed instead of a 6'-0" diameter bed!

Never mind, it looks ok and even though I don't require THAT many herbs I can always grow veggies that could be loosely termed 'herbs'!
Garlic springs to mind and no doubt I'll think of a few others, maybe even the mini veg that are becoming very popular!

Still haven't got the 'spokes' in the wheel yet. I was going for dividing it into eight sections but because of its overall size I may go for twelve!

Muddy Sarah · #41 (**permalink**) 01-03-2007, 12:47 PM

Sounds good Snadger. I had to laugh when you said it's 12ft instead of 6 - sort of thing I'd do!!!

Now, I'm going to hijack this a bit, as I'm after some tips for my sister.

My lucky sister has a beautiful house in Spain that she and BIL are able to get out to at least once every couple of months. They're planning on moving over there permanently at some stage, but have kids and a business to think about here for the time being.

She mentioned to me a while ago that she really fancied growing some herbs when they go over to Spain for more than a couple of weeks at a time, and I've known for a wihile that she really liked the herb wheel idea for her back garden here. So I daftly suggested she might want to think about building a herb wheel in Spain, using traditional spanish herbs that might be suitable for lasting in the hot weather without too much attention.

This has now bitten me on the behind, as she's asked me to look into it a bit for her to find out what herbs might be worth considering, but I have about as much idea as she does (ie none!!). Do any of you clever people have any thoughts or comments?? Is it actually that good an idea after all??

One bonus for me might be that, if this proves a possible and if I can get the airfare together, she's thinking about taking me over there to help her build the herb wheel, as she doesn't think she can do it on her own.

Cheers guys

Sarah

Snadger · #42 (**permalink**) 01-03-2007, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muddy Sarah

Sounds good Snadger. I had to laugh when you said it's 12ft instead of 6 - sort of thing I'd do!!!

Now, I'm going to hijack this a bit, as I'm after some tips for my sister.

My lucky sister has a beautiful house in Spain that she and BIL are able to get out to at least once every couple of months. They're planning on moving over there permanently at some stage, but have kids and a business to think about here for the time being.

She mentioned to me a while ago that she really fancied growing some herbs when they go over to Spain for more than a couple of weeks at a time, and I've known for a wihile that she really liked the herb wheel idea for her back garden here. So I daftly suggested she might want to think about building a herb wheel in Spain, using traditional spanish herbs that might be suitable for lasting in the hot weather without too much attention.

This has now bitten me on the behind, as she's asked me to look into it a bit for her to find out what herbs might be worth considering, but I have about as much idea as she does (ie none!!). Do any of you clever people have any thoughts or comments?? Is it actually that good an idea after all??

One bonus for me might be that, if this proves a possible and if I can get the airfare together, she's thinking about taking me over there to help her build the herb wheel, as she doesn't think she can do it on her own.

Cheers guys

Sarah

I think most herbs originate from the Med so they should thrive in Spain! The herbs like Thyme, Rosmary,Dill etc are small leaved sun worshippers and shouldn't transpire water as quickly as broad leaved plants so should be well suited to the Spanish climate and even drought conditions!

If water can be supplied regularily, I would think the world is your oyster as nearly all herbs will thrive, although the mints tend to like damp shaded areas!

Snadger · #43 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 05:54 PM

Herb wheel is nearly complete and it has eight spokes. Its made with grey granite sets that I just happened to have lying around.
Because the gardens on a slope its been a b*gger to set out and my hands are like sandpaper with handling the sets. Meant to take a photograph but by the time I left the lottie it was starting to get dark. Quite pleased with the effect though, now all I've got to do is fill in the spokes with herbs!

madderbat · #44 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 07:06 PM

Well done snadger, look forward to the picks. Have you decided what to plant yet?

Snadger · #45 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madderbat

Well done snadger, look forward to the picks. Have you decided what to plant yet?

The only definates at the mo are bergamot and sage. Intend using thyme,lavender and box on my bed edges and already have rosemary. Mints are a bit invasive, but I've grown variagated apple pineapple mint before and it wasn't too bad.Some of the prostrate Thymes may be a good idea. I suppose I'll just have to have a look to the garden centre and see whats a bit different and available.

PS Forgot about parsley....must have some of that!

Earthbabe · #46 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 07:24 AM

Garden centres can be a bit same old etc for herbs I've found. How about seeing what the grapes are able to offer you? I know it will be seed and therefore a couple of months before it is taking shape but deffo much cheaper and you could find yourself with a good variety.

Snadger · #47 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earthbabe

Garden centres can be a bit same old etc for herbs I've found. How about seeing what the grapes are able to offer you? I know it will be seed and therefore a couple of months before it is taking shape but deffo much cheaper and you could find yourself with a good variety.

I've got two good Garden centres close by and both have useful looking herb selections! I know I'm impatient, but it's a bit like those makeover programmes as I'm after instant looks!!

*Feather* · #48 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snadger

Herb wheel is nearly complete and it has eight spokes. Its made with grey granite sets that I just happened to have lying around.
Because the gardens on a slope its been a b*gger to set out and my hands are like sandpaper with handling the sets. Meant to take a photograph but by the time I left the lottie it was starting to get dark. Quite pleased with the effect though, now all I've got to do is fill in the spokes with herbs!

Well done Snadger! I spent all day yesterday working on mine and it's almost done too

. I used flint for the spokes... I've got tones of it in the gardes, and I'm in the chalky ridge of the North Downs, and I'm very pleased with the effect. OH is not too sure as it looks a bit bare at the moment.

So far I planted some rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, oregano and lemon balm, and in the middle I put a small euonymus 'emerald and gold' bush for a bit of colour. I'm planning to add coriander, chives, marjoram and basil when it gets a bit warmer.

I'll take some pictures of it this week. I look forward to seeing yours!

Hazel at the Hill · #49 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 05:13 PM

That sounds wonderful, Feather - look forward to the pics!

Snadger · #50 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Feather*

Well done Snadger! I spent all day yesterday working on mine and it's almost done too

. I used flint for the spokes... I've got tones of it in the gardes, and I'm in the chalky ridge of the North Downs, and I'm very pleased with the effect. OH is not too sure as it looks a bit bare at the moment.

So far I planted some rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, oregano and lemon balm, and in the middle I put a small euonymus 'emerald and gold' bush for a bit of colour. I'm planning to add coriander, chives, marjoram and basil when it gets a bit warmer.

I'll take some pictures of it this week. I look forward to seeing yours!

You've got me worried now feather!

I hope yours doen't make mine look very amateurish!

As you say, they look a bit bare without the plants, but I am determined not to rush into planting and will only buy plants as I can afford them and at a time of year that they are reasonably priced.
A packet of Parsley and coriander seeds are my sole contribution so far, but I'll get there eventually.
Both my allotments revolve around this central hub (If you'll excuse the pun!) so it's worth taking my time, measuring, and getting it right. Once the groundwork is done and the bare bones of my planned plot are in position I can finally get round to planting!
Post piccies at weekend hopefully! Looking forward to seeing yours as well!

denise · #51 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 09:32 PM

You two have been busy, I haven't even started yet, - but - excuse time

i garden on clay and it is so wet at the moment and i have to move some plants from the area. I know enough excuses I just need to get up from my ......... comfy chair and get put there,but I have sown some herb seeds, I will keep you posted.
Looking forward to pinching your ideas, whops did I say that out loud, meant to say seeing you pics.

*Feather* · #52 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snadger

You've got me worried now feather!

I hope yours doen't make mine look very amateurish!

As you say, they look a bit bare without the plants, but I am determined not to rush into planting and will only buy plants as I can afford them and at a time of year that they are reasonably priced.
A packet of Parsley and coriander seeds are my sole contribution so far, but I'll get there eventually.
Both my allotments revolve around this central hub (If you'll excuse the pun!) so it's worth taking my time, measuring, and getting it right. Once the groundwork is done and the bare bones of my planned plot are in position I can finally get round to planting!
Post piccies at weekend hopefully! Looking forward to seeing yours as well!

I wouldn't worry Snadger. It sounds fancier than what it actually looks. I planted the herbs that survived from last year with such a mild winter, and the rest will be from seed... if I ever get the bl**dy seeds from Dobies! I've spoken to 6 different people in their call centre since January and they keep telling me they've sent them and that they are sending 'another' replacement... I'm still waiting!

I like your idea of the allotments revolving around the wheel...

Snadger · #53 (**permalink**) 17-03-2007, 07:14 PM

Finally got a few photographs taken today! Here's the hub of the plot the herb wheel which is yet to be planted! I have attempted to join two lotties together with a Potager theme! I'll stick a few more pictures of progress on my plot in the 'Fruit and vegetable showcase' unless LJ decides to move them!
The wheel is far from finished yet but it should give you an idea of what I am trying to achieve!

madderbat · #54 (**permalink**) 17-03-2007, 07:21 PM

I'm very impressed Snadge. Makes my herb bed look sad. I'll have to do something with it soon and get stuff growing. Is that a fruit tree you have in the middle?

denise · #55 (**permalink**) 17-03-2007, 07:25 PM

Looks excellent, its big ! what the size of it ? holds the plots together well.