Herb gardens
The beautiful gardens immediately adjacent to the new South Downs Eco Lodge have been designed by Rachael Mairey our Volunteer Co-ordinator, ecologist, skilled horticulturist and champion for wild plants and re-wilding.
CULINARY HERBS
To the immediate south of the Garden Room is a culinary herb garden. All plants are labelled for easy reference. The flint herb spiral was inspired by the many permaculture design and kitchen gardening courses we have hosted over the years and acts as a practical demonstration and teaching aid. The area south of the entrance porch and underneath the Field Maple tree is a demonstration of wild shade tolerant plants inspired by our native woodland edges and hedgerows . 
HERB SPIRAL A herb spiral is an idea commonly implemented in permaculture gardens. It is a way of growing a wide range of herbs, each of which enjoys different moisture and light levels, in a relatively small area. Rachael has used flints from our site to create a beautiful structure. Other materials such as bricks, rocks or even timber can be used just as easily. The spiral design is not without purpose. It’s most certainly a beautiful shape to find in the garden, but it also has practical reasons. By having the spiral raised in the centre, spiralling down to ground level, lots of microclimates are created. Some spots of the spiral will get more sunlight, others more shade. Some areas will hold moisture better while the more raised parts offer the chance for better drained, drier soil. By having all of these differences, the spiral enables us to grow plants with different needs in a smaller space. The herb spiral is a few steps from the Garden Room and kitchen in the South Downs Eco lodge. This reflects the ‘first things first approach’ - putting those items that require the most attention or provide the most regular use nearest to our living space. This area is called zone one. A spiral is most definitely something to put near the kitchen because herbs are a crop used daily if not multiple times a day. Another consideration for locating a spiral is that it will need sun. Most herbs like a lot of light, so be aware when putting the bed next to a wall or beneath a tree. In the same breath, having a somewhat sheltered spot, protected from the wind or heavy rains might help with the more delicate herbs. The more of these factors that can be accounted for, the more likely the plants will be successful. We are grateful to Rachael for her beautiful design, attention to detail and boundless enthusiasm; to our loyal volunteers for planting and caring for the gardens and Cllr Rob Mocatta who supported us with a grant through the East Hampshire District Council Councillor Community Grant Scheme to help pay for plants. |
MEDICINAL MEADOW
The area south of our South Downs Eco Lodge main wing, is planted with medicinal herbs on both sides of the path . These will grow to create an area to support our Medicinal Herb Workshops and guided walks. Plants are labelled for easy reference. Herbal Medicine is the oldest form of medicine known to mankind and still the most widely practised medicine. Over 80% of the world’s population rely on herbs as their main form of treatment. The herbs and wildflowers in our Medicinal Meadow are great for biodiversity, offering nectar to our pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, hoverflies and other flies and wasps and also pollen for bees and pollen beetles. In the winter, the seed heads are an invaluable food resource for birds during the cold months and also shelter overwintering insects. All sorts of other animals benefit from associated invertebrates, including hedgehogs and bats. All plants are hardy perennials except for one or two, which readily self seed, so should also pop up year after year. 
MEDICINAL MEADOW PLANTING The herbs within our Medicinal Meadow have been chosen for their medicinal properties. Some are harvested and used in our Medicinal Herb Workshops here at The Sustainability Centre. Some are left for pollinators and other wildlife as well as for our enjoyment and education. Some examples are Self-heal, which is used in medical herbalism to boost the immune system and Marigold, which is great for skin healing and health. To find out how to use herbs in nmedicine safely please find out more on one of our courses. |
