Environmentality 17 October 2012

Dear Environmentality Listeners,

Jaime and Sarah were joined by our resident gardening expert, Jodi Jackson, to discuss her top 10 herbs to grow in the garden, and gardening tips for limited spaces.

Jodi's top ten herbs for growing at home:

1. Parsley - grows all through the year, in many locations.  Easy to re-establish once has seeded.

Flat Leaf Parsley, Image by Y.Larratt

2. Chives - great for salads and sauces. Can use flowers as a garnish.

3. Dill - works well in salads and with fish. Easy to grow.

4. Mint - great in salads and Asian cuisine, again very easy to grow. If it starts to 'take over', you can always just pull it out!

5. Chervil - a relative of parsley and carrot, it has a mild aniseed flavour. Can be used in soups, salads and dressings.

6. Rosemary - very easy to grow, likes dry conditions. Great with garlic on bread!

Rosemary, Image by Y. Larratt

7. Oregano - very easy to propagate through breaking of small 'branches'. Cut it back in late autumn/winter then it will bounce back in spring.

8. Basil - versatile and delicious fresh. Need we say more about this wonderful herb!

9.Thyme - hardy plant, will look after itself.

Thyme, Image by Y.Larratt

10. Bay leaf - extremely versatile in a range of cooked dishes.

Delicious coriander just missed out on Jodi's top 10 list, due to it being a little more difficult to grow!

Jodi has her own website : www.everydayinthegarden.com where you can find out more about spring gardening.

For small spaces Jodi recommends:
- Pot stacking, whereby pots are placed in a tiered layout, allowing varying spaces for shade and moisture.  Plants that enjoy the sun and dry conditions can be placed on the top.
- Vertical design gardens are also great to save space and look fantastic.
- Potted plants require extra care, feeding, mulching and watering.

Jodi will be hosting the following free garden workshops:

• 'Veggies to Plant in Spring'. Tuesday 23rd October. Roxborough Park Community Garden 12-2pm.
• 'Controlling Pests in the Garden'.  Friday 2nd of November. Meadows Primary School, Gerbet Street, Broadmeadows 10-12pm.

Other upcoming events include:

• The Broadmeadows and District Garden Club 2012 Spring Show on 20th October -21st October, at Wiseman House Cnr Melbourne Ave and Widford St Glenroy.   Will feature different plants, orchids, roses and a sausage sizzle! Entry costs is $2.
• The Lemon Tree Project is hosting a community information session, featuring guest speakers, a short film and refreshments. The objective of the project is to have a communal lemon tree and park bench on as many streets as possible. Wednesday 24th of October Cragieburn Hume Global Learning Centre from 7pm.

Songs played on the show include:
  Portishead - Wandering Star
  Feist -  When I was a Young Girl
  Astrid Gilberto
  The Wailin' Jennys - Arlington

Listen to the show!