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

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 garden centre in Enniskerry for more information and advice about growing herbs.