The typical structure of a stone or wooden spiral on a hill or a spirally rising wall creates a bed that rises towards the center. This increases the floor space and optimally uses the available space in a sunny location. The bed is divided into several zones with different substrates from lean to dry as well as nutrient-rich and moist.

Lavender and sun-loving herbs make it to the top

Division of the different zones of a herbal spiral

Different moisture and light-shade ratios are created, which meet the herbs' demands on climate and soil as well as possible. In addition, the plants benefit from the heat that the stones store from the sun and slowly release again. This heat retention lasts into the night and mitigates any night frosts.

upper zone

The top zone of the herb spiral should be in full sun and filled with a well drained, lean and dry substrate. The Mediterranean herbs thrive in this location: thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary, lavender, savory, stevia (sweet herb) and curry herb.

middle zone

The middle zone contains moderately nutrient-rich substrate and is also dry. The plants are in a sunny to semi-shady spot, depending on orientation. Many herbs thrive here, such as oregano, hyssop, lemon balm, burnet burnet and purslane.

lower zone

The lowest zone is as nutrient-rich as possible, moist and sunny. It is preferred by typical kitchen herbs such as chives, parsley, chervil, Indian nettle, garlic mustard and sorrel.

Other suitable herbs for the lower zone are:

  • dill
  • tarragon
  • garlic
  • coriander
  • mints

Small pond at the foot of the herb spiral - perfect for moisture-loving herbs

The end of the spiral is formed by a small body of water, which is located in the south in front of it in an ideal north-south orientation. For this, dig in a small container or line a small hollow with pond liner. The water surface ensures evaporation and humidity, and also stores heat during the day, which it slowly releases into the environment at night. It is not only a popular drinker for birds, many small animals and insects also like to drink. Watercress and, if large enough, water mint can be grown in water.

tips

You can also set up your herb spiral next to or behind an existing garden pond, where meadowsweet, valerian and other moisture-loving herbs feel extremely comfortable.

Category:

Garden design