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How to: a french-inspired herb garden
17
items This was inspired by the french potager style and it is easily modable to anyone's space constraints! I tried to add structure with the bird cage and then some organization with an herb plant in each corner (thyme, chives, parsley, dill) and a large rosemary in the middle, dotted with a purple petunia in between each - which started to flow over the ... I used a clematis to train up two of the sides, which hopefully will look even better next year! I also added some potted lavender around the base. I love this look and can't wait to do more with it next year!
Sections
3
The Base
The Plants
The Rest
The Base
The base and my initial inspiration. I wanted a raised bed that could fit around 6 herbs, some flowers, and some structure. Mine has survived several years in Western PA winters and is doing great!
Wooden Raised Garden Planter with Storage Shelf, 36 in. x 36 in. x 36 in. at Tractor Supply Co
I wanted some structure so I could add some small climbers- this year I did two small clematis plants and they worked great
Jardin™ Bird Cage Support
This was right after planting. These get bigger than you might think so leave lots of room! They love sun and moisture. And a good occasional fertilizer!
My herb garden this year - right after planting
This fabric did the trick - it let enough moisture through but stood up through the season. Easy to cut and plenty for next year (and the year after)
Vigoro 2 ft. x 40 ft. Medium Duty Perforated Raised Garden Bed Fabric
My favorite potting soil! Plants absolutely love it which means I do too. I needed about 2 ½ bags for my garden this year
FOXFARM Ocean Forest Plant Garden Potting Soil Mix F
I use this for every transplant, new planting, or even annuals that seem to need a pick me up. It’s magic.
Espoma Organic Bio-Tone Starter Plus 4-3-3 4 lb
The Plants
I typically recommend getting your herbs locally, but depending on the time of year that might not be an option This is a perfect combo. Just be careful with mint - plant it once and have it forever, and everywhere.
The Three Company 6" Assorted Herbs Live Plants in 1 Pint Pots (6 Count)
I added some lavender plants to terra cotta pots around the base of the herb garden to add a little fragrance and also the bees loved it.
2 Grosso Lavender Plants in 3.5" Cubes (Lavandula × intermedia 'Grosso') Live Flowering Evergreen Shrub with Large Fragrant Purple Flowers for Pollinator Gardens, Borders, Containers & Landscaping
One of the clematis I trained up the trellis this year. The pink was so pretty among the herbs!
Clematis Princess Kate (Vine, Scarlet Leatherflower)
This clematis has the absolute cutest little snowdrop blooms, and looked so cute climbing up the trellis as well as spilling over the edge. The same kind as the Princess Kate clematis I had on the other side. My hope is they intertwine over the years.
Roguchi Clematis Vine - Purple - 2.5" Pot
The Rest
Any watering can will do, but since we're trying to embrace the whimsy of it all, why not do so with this adorable copper watering can??
Gardener Select Metal Watering Can with Handles, Copper, 1 Gallon
Why spend lots of money on something you'll probably lose? This one is perfect, especially for planting small items like herbs. It is lightweight and when I inevitably leave it out all winter it's FINE.
Garden trowel
I don't always wear gardening gloves but when I do, it's these. They're thin, have great grip, and are literally $4. I usually have a few pairs stockpiled.
Wells Lamont Small/Medium Pink Latex dipped Polyester Gardening Gloves 1 -Pairs
Obviously you need a cute little bowl to collect your cut herbs in…this one from crate & barrel is the perfect size
Small White Scallop Eyelet Stoneware Colander by Laura Kim
For easy snipping…these herb scissors do exactly the trick!
Herb Scissors
I used these around the base of the herb garden to add lavender, which has a totally different moisture/soil requirement than the herbs. The pollinators absolutely loved it!!! I also antiqued them using lime wash, which was a fun project.
Vigoro Large Orange Terracotta Tulip Planter with Drainage Hole (17 in. L x 17 in. W x 13 in. H) 17 IN TULIP
This is perfect for storing your gloves, clippers, or your phone so your hands are free to get dirty :) The floral print is so cute. Terrain has the best garden accessories.
Garden Paradise Half Apron