Hey, gather ’round for a rootin’ tootin’ tale about the herb layer in your forest garden. We’re fixin’ to dive deep into this green wonderland and uncover some hidden treasures that’ll make your garden shine brighter than a firefly on a summer night.
Now, don’t y’all go thinkin’ this is just some plain ol’ patch of weeds. This here layer is chock-full of life, from them fancy ferns to them tough-as-nails ground covers. These plants ain’t just pretty to look at, they’re workin’ harder than a one armed wallpaper hanger. They’re givin’ shelter to all them helpful critters, makin’ the soil healthier than a horse, and keepin’ everything in your forest garden as balanced as a cat on a fence.
The green carpet’s cast of characters
Let me tell y’all about some of the stars of this here show:
Comfrey
This ol’ boy’s known for healin’ powers and nutrient-rich leaves. It’s like the neighborhood nurse of the herb layer.
Wood sorrel
Grows like crazy and tastes mighty fine in salads and sandwiches. It’s got a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.
Nettles
Don’t let them stingers fool ya! These plants are tougher than a two-dollar steak but useful as all get-out. Use ’em for skin troubles or throw ’em in your cookin’ like you would spinach.
Wild garlic
Gives a subtle oniony flavor that’ll make your vittles sing. Just don’t go mixin’ it up with them poisonous lily of the-valley!
Yarrow
This here plant’s a jack of all trades. It’ll keep them skeeters away and make a mighty fine tea to boot.
Sorrel
Tangy as all get out and perfect for addin’ some zip to your salads and soups.
Ground elder
Use it like you would spinach, but pick them young leaves ‘fore they get too ornery.
Lovage
Smells like celery and draws more attention than a three legged dog at a rabbit race.
These are just a handful of the many plants that can be discovered in the herbaceous layer of forest gardens here in Sweden. As you can see, these plants have many benefits, such as improving soil health, attracting beneficial insects, and producing food and offering medicinal benefits for both humans and animals. (Depending on where you live in the world, it’s recommended that you learn about which wild plants are suitable for your specific region.)
The stars of the show
Now, don’t y’all forget about them perennials. These plants are tougher than a pine knot and come back year after year. Plant yourself a mess of these under your trees and bushes, and you’ll have yourself a regular Eden in no time.
We’d say that under the shade of each majestic tree, you ought to plant at least three shrubs, and beneath these, between 6-16 perennials, depending on their growth habits.
From them aromatic herbs like rosemary and lavender to tasty favorites like thyme and sage, these plants’ll keep your kitchen smellin’ sweeter than a peach orchard. And let’s not forget about their healin’ powers. Chamomile for relaxin’, houseleek for bug bites, and peppermint for settlin’ your stomach.
“A guild is a harmonious assembly of species gathered around a central element (plant or animal). This assembly acts in relation to the element to help its health. One big happy family that is the goal of your guild.”
What our readers say
🌿 Anneli
“Mercy, I gotta tell y’all, this lil’ series done lit a fire in me! I been hankerin’ to start me up a garden out on our place for the longest time, but shoot, I just never rightly knew where to even begin. The way you painted that herb layer, like some kinda livin’ quilt, why it just made the whole picture come alive in my mind. And them tips ‘bout nettles an’ ground elder land sakes, I always reckoned them nothin’ but pesky weeds. Turns out they’s treasures in disguise. Reckon now I oughta quit fightin’ against nature, and start leanin’ into what’s already growin’ in my own backyard.”
🌱 Johannes
“Much obliged for them fine posts, friend. I been tendin’ me a little guild o’ plants for near on ten years now, and I swear, it started off hardly worth mentionin’. But once them perennial ground covers set root good ‘n proper, well sir, everything just plain come easier. Noticed a whole mess o’ butterflies, bees, and such swarmin’ ‘round, keepin’ my place hummin’ with life.
Now, here’s a word of advice for any o’ y’all keen on tryin’: start out small, let the plants find their own way. The garden’ll teach ya patience, and she’ll bless ya with abundance, if only you take the time to listen.”
Wrappin’ It up
Y’all, this herb layer ain’t just a bunch of plants, it’s a whole world waitin’ to be explored. It’s as useful as a pocket on a shirt and prettier than a speckled pup. So get out there and start plantin’! And remember, if you’re feelin’ a mite uncertain, just take it one guild at a time.
Until next time, when we’ll be jawin’ about them climbin’ plants in the forest garden, keep on growin’ and keep on showin’ that green thumb of yours.
Y’all take care now, ya hear from your two passionate self sufficient bloggers. Tidde and Fidde.
FAQ
Why are herbs an’ ground cover plants so dang important in a forest garden?
“Well, sugar, they keep that soil from washin’ away, hold the moisture, tie up the nutrients, run off the weeds, and they’ll feed ya and doctor ya too.”
Varför är just ört och marktäckande växter så viktiga i en skogsträdgård?
“Shoot, both’ll do ya good. Wild perennials are tough an’ made for yer land. But herbs like thyme, lavender, and sage, they give ya flavor and a healthy kick. Best bet’s a mix.”
Hur undviker jag att aggressiva växter som kirskål tar över hela skiktet?
“Plant ‘em in with strong perennials, or set yerself some root barriers. And don’t be shy ‘bout harvestin’ ‘em often, keep ‘em on their toes.”
How many herbs an’ perennials do I really need in a guild?
“As a rule o’ thumb, reckon ‘round six to sixteen under each bush. But truth is, ya best pick what suits yer soil, yer weather, and what you ‘n yer kinfolk like to eat.”
Anything I oughta watch out for in the herb layer?
“You bet. Some tasty plants got nasty twins like wild garlic can get mixed up with lily o’ the valley, which’ll make ya sick as a dog. Always be sure what you’re bitin’ into.”
How long’s it take ‘fore a forest garden keeps itself runnin’?
“Give it two, maybe three years. Once them perennials get settled, you’ll see fewer weeds and a whole system that nearabouts runs itself.”