One of the best parts of summer is being able to shop from your garden. Fresh vegetables, fruit, and plenty of flavourful herbs. While many of the herbs we like are either annual or tender in our climate, there are a handful that, if given the right conditions, are reliably perennial here.
Sage (Salvia officianalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and oregano (Oreganum vulgare) are three of the most indispensable herbs in your herbal arsenal. While there are many different varieties available, stick with the straight species for best flavour and hardiness. All delight in, and in fact demand, excellent drainage.
They thrive in sunny, hot, dry, locations and respond well to continual snipping. Leaves can be harvested throughout the season and dry well. French tarragon (Artemesia dracunculus) is a tall bushy plant easily grown in full sun and well-drained soil.
It makes a lovely green foil amongst flowering perennials and is reputed to be a beneficial companion. French tarragon was selected for its anise-like pungent aroma and flavour but rarely flowers and sets seed. It must be started from either stem or rhizomatous root cuttings to retain these characteristics.
Harvest and dry leaves for use in winter soups and stews. Sage grows as a low mound while thyme and oregano will carpet the ground. Wait until growth resumes in spring before doing any pruning.
Sage and thyme are semi-woody sub-shrubs so will become increasingly woody and need replacing over time. Mint is a favourite summer .