Vertical Herb Garden

Even if you have a small garden, there is no reason for not growing a range of different herbs in a variety of containers. Seek out interesting terracotta containers as the shapes and colors can vary enormously. Not all will be frost resistant, but you can still use them to disguise the black plastic pots of your short-term or annual herbs.

Materials Needed:

• 1 x Rosmarinus Prostratus Group
• 1 x Salvia officinalis
• 1 x Lavandula pinnata

• 3 x Ocimum minimum
• 1 x Cymbopogon flexuosus
• 3 x Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens

Border Basics

Size: 6 x 6 feet
Suits: Any sunny location with a wall or fence as a background
Soil: Multi-purpose compost
Site: Full sun

Constructing the Supports

Outdoor timber shelving can be bought pre-drilled in kit form and is easy to assemble, or for the rustic-look, use second-hand bricks and weathered planks. Stability is important so check that the back wall is sound. Position two stacks of bricks 4–6 inches away from the wall and as wide as the strength and length of your planks will allow. Lay one plank on the stacks and add more bricks, an inch closer to the backdrop. As you add the layers, the whole theater will "lean" toward the wall with little risk of toppling over. For added stability, add shelf brackets.

Rosmarinus Prostratus Group (Image 1)
Plants that survive outside in mild regions or sheltered sites, well-drained soil, full sun, award-winning plant

Salvia officinalis (Image 2)
Plants that survive outside in mild regions or sheltered sites, well-drained soil, full sun

Lavandula pinnata (Image 3)
Plants that need protection from frost over winter, well-drained soil, full sun

Ocimum minimum (Image 1)
Plants that need protection from frost over winter, well-drained soil, full sun

Cymbopogon flexuosus (Image 2)
Plants that need protection from frost over winter, well-drained soil, full sun

Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens (Image 3)
Plants that need protection from frost over winter, well-drained soil, full sun