Medicinal Garden
If you decide on this one, please do both of us a
favor and don't actually use any of these medicinally unless you
absolutely know what you are doing. I personally think it fun to
be able to tell visitors what they used to use the plants for in the
old days and watch the look on their face. Be sure to always
have on hand a good reference book so you can look all these
plants up and learn more about them. Here is a list of some of the
plants you may include but there are plenty more to substitute
with:(most of these plants are poisonous, so keep that in mind if
you have children helping you!)See my section on kids in the
garden!
Valerian-Perennial, oil from the root has been used as a sedative
and painkiller.
Gentian-Perennial, used as a digestive aid, vermicide and
antiseptic wound treatment.
Mullein-Biennial, used to treat coughs, congestion, tuberculosis
and smoked to soothe pulmonary diseases.
Elecampane-Perennial, rhizomes used to treat respiratory diseases
American Hellebore- rhizome has been used as a sedative, emetic,
and to treat hypertension. Poisonous.
Comfrey-Perennial, used to reduce inflammation and to heal
broken bones.
Lobelia-Annual, used to treat asthma, as a nerve stimulant and as
a tobacco substitute.
Feverfew-Pernennial, flowers have been used as a sedative and
tonic. Very useful in migraine therapy.
Betony-Perennial, leaves have been used as a poultice, emetic,
tonic, nervine and sedative.
Aconite-Perennial, rhizomes have been used as a sedative, pain
killer and to treat rheumatism. Poisonous.
Foxglove- Biennial used as a heart stimulant and to treat dropsy.
Poisonous.
Arnica-Perennial, flowers have been used as a compress for
bruises, wounds and inflammation. Poisonous.
Echinacea-Perennial, Very popular today as an anti-infective.
Horehound-Perennial, leaves and flowers have been used for
coughs and colds.
Roman Chamomile-Perennial, flowers are used as a sedative and
hair rinse.
Autumn Crocus-Perennial bulb, seeds and corms have been used
to treat gout and rheumatism. Poisonous!
Dye Garden
Dye garden used to be an integral part of most
dooryard gardens.
Queen of the Meadow, Weld, Golden Marguerite, Marigold,
Lady's Bedstraw, Saffron, Soapwort(included because the roots
produce a soapy lather that the yarn was washed in before
dyeing), Safflower, Goldenrod, Woad, St. John's Wort, Zinnia,
and Calliopsis.
Fragrant Garden
This is a garden that you can really have a free
hand in. There are so many herbs that you can use have fun with
it. Sweet Violets, lavender, thyme(of which there are many scents
available), scented geraniums, BeeBalm, Lemon Balm, Catmint,
Garlic Chives, Nasturtiums, Sweet Annie(my favorite!!) Hyssop,
Basil(different scents available) and any herb whose scent you
find attractive. Good Smelling to you!
Everlasting Garden
Part of the fun of planting a garden is using the
flowers for decorating year round. Plant an everlasting garden
and have fun making dried arrangements in winter!
Wormwood, Lavender, Goldenrod, Yarrow, Sweet Marjoram,
Feverfew, Rue, Strawflower, Sunflowers, Bells of Ireland,
Scabosia, Lunaria, etc. I consider any flower that drys well an
everlasting. Remember, when picking your flowers for drying,
cut flowers before fully open on a dry day after the dew has
evaporated.
Kitchen Garden
It's nice to plant one of these gardens right by
the back door if possible. I am constantly running out to snip off
some fresh herbs every day! Plant those herbs that you know you
will use and give extras to family and friends. Fresh herbs are
fantastic!
Any of the basils, Mint (confined to pots sunk in the ground if
you don't want it to spread and take over everything else!)
Purple Sage, Curly Parsley, Chives, Thyme, Bergamot Mint,
Apple Mint, Spearmint, Peppermint, Borage, Rosemary, Bay
(I leave mine in a pot so I can bring it indoors for winter) and
any edible herbs you can find!