slates, etc. to create a spiral shape. Because there is a danger of the soil washing away in rain or blowing away in wind before the plants are established, it is best to use pot-grown plants if you choose this method.
The second method is more permanent and more involved. First, stake out the spiral shape using sticks or bamboo. The base should be between one and a half to two metres/yards in diameter. Next, construct the walls using bricks or stones, starting from the outside and moving inwards. Add more layers, gradually increasing the height as you move into the centre. If you are using bricks and mortar, add the soil at the end. If you are using a ‘dry stone’ technique (just stacking the stones on top of one another), add the soil as you go to give more support and stability.
Try and use relatively weed-free soil. If soil or well-rotted compost is in short supply, you can try using a base layer of fresh manure or unrotted organic waste with a 10 cm (4 in) layer of soil on top, but be wary of the spiral settling as your base layer breaks down. You may need to add more soil at this stage if this is the case.
Some herbs may require different soil conditions from others, however most will do well in good soil or compost. With careful planning, you can provide the optimum conditions for each by, for example, adding sand to the soil for Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary.
To build a pond or bog at the base, first put down a layer of sand or old carpet to prevent stones or other sharp objects from puncturing the liner. Next, install a plastic liner and smooth a thin layer of mud around its surface to enable pond fauna and flora to establish quicker. Bury the edge of the lining under rocks and soil to prevent it from slipping. To build the bog area, use a perforated liner.
Herbs for your herb spiral
Calendula
This sunny annual has beautiful yellow/orange flowers that bloom from mid-spring to early summer. It is one of the most widely used and effective medicinal plants. The flowers are loaded with healing properties including essential oils, saponins, carotenoid and flavonoids. It can be used to heal wounds, reduce inflammations and treat bruises, burns and cuts. In skincare, it is used to treat acne, eczema, rosacea and irritated or inflamed skin.
Grow Sow seeds under cover in early spring – germination takes 5 to 14 days – or sow direct into soil on the southern side of the herb spiral in late spring when risk of frost has passed.
Harvest Pick flowers as soon as they open in early summer. Young leaves can be eaten in salads.
Uses Good for nappy (diaper) rash and skin complaints including cuts, grazes, minor burns, wounds and fungal conditions. Sap from the stem has traditionally been used to treat warts, corns and calluses.
Lavender
A woody perennial shrub with purple/bluish flowers that grow upwards on tall stems. It originated in the Mediterranean but now grows all over Europe and North America. The list of healing benefits of the lavender plant seems never ending – it is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antiseptic. Essential oil can be applied direct to the skin to treat burns, bruising and aching or tense muscles. In skincare the oil can be used to alleviate dry skin conditions, acne, dermatitis and rosecea. It stimulates cell renewal and healing so is a useful ingredient in many skincare preparations.
Grow Sow seeds under cover in spring. Germination takes around three weeks. Take softwood cuttings in late spring. Once these take root they can be planted up on the drier, southern side of the herb spiral.
Harvest Cut flowers in summer just as they open.
Uses Make a scented oil that can be used to relax and soothe tired bodies and minds. Place sachets of dried lavender leaves and flowers in wardrobes to deter moths or under pillows to aid sleep.
Rosemary
A hardy perennial evergreen with flower spikes of tiny violet blooms starting in early spring to early summer. Needle shaped green leaves.
Grow Sow under protection in early spring – germination takes 7 to 14 days – or take cuttings of new growth in summer after flowers have finished. Pot-up when well rooted and plant out on the southern banks of the herb spiral the following year.
Harvest Pick leaves throughout the year.
Uses As well as aiding memory retention and recovery from long-term illness, this herb can make a good insect repellent. Rub leaves into temples to alleviate headaches. A hair rinse can be made from the leaves.
Camomile
This hardy evergreen perennial produces large single white daisy-like flowers throughout the summer. Leaves are green and sweet-smelling.
Grow Start off in early spring under cover. Germination usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. Take cuttings or divide plants in the spring, to start new plants. They can then be planted-up on the eastern side of the herb spiral to catch the early morning sun.
Harvest Pick flowers as they open and dry them or use fresh.
Uses Due to the plant’s sedative properties the dried flowers are used to treat insomnia, digestive disorders and travel sickness. A hair rinse can be made for fair hair. Tea made from the dried flowers can also be used to make a rinse for use in homemade baby wipes and as a treatment for irritated skin.
Borage
A pretty flowering hardy annual that originates from the Mediterranean. Also known as starflower this herb was traditionally given to Roman soldiers for courage and comfort. The plant has several culinary and medicinal uses. Blue star-shaped flowers bloom from early summer to the first frosts. The mild green leaves are bristly, oval and succulent.
Grow Sow seeds into pots in early spring under protection. Germination takes from 5 to 14 days. When ready to plant out, position on the western side of the slopes of the herb spiral.
Harvest Pick fresh flowers just as they begin to open fully. You can preserve them in ice cubes. The leaves taste good in soups and salads.
Uses A facial steam for dry sensitive skin can be made with borage leaves as well as the flowers.
Wild strawberry
A hardy perennial with small white flowers that give way to tiny red fruit in the summer months. Leaves are also edible.
Grow Pick fruit, dry them on cloth and then rub off seeds into a tray of moist compost in the autumn. Germination takes 6 to 10 weeks. Cover with a plastic bag to protect and keep warm. Plant out on the western side of the spiral when large enough to handle. The mature plants produce runners that can be trained into pots to make new plants. Place a pot full of compost under the green shoot at the end of the runner. Cut away from the main plant once rooted.
Harvest
