Solving Landscape Problems With Herbs

story by: Aenne K. Carver

Every yard has problem areas, like dry shade, or sandy soil.  Fortunately, many herbs are bulletproof and thrive in these difficult sites.  Often gardens have diverse soils, due to builders compacting the soil or from natural variations.  Within the same yard, a plant that may flourish in one area will quickly croak in another.  Gardeners throw their hands up in dismay, but instead, they should try a tough herb and the problem will be solved. 
           
Dry shade is difficult because shade loving plants often need moisture.  However, peppermint geraniums prosper in such a place, because they are drought tolerant, and prefer shade.  Periwinkle, or vinca, a herb once valued in love potions, is also ideal for dry shade.  Periwinkles’ stems root when they touch soil and they grow under any conditions.  With attractive lavender/blue flowers, this robust plant is excellent for dry, shady slopes that are hard to reach.
           
Clay soil is trouble in the garden, and North San Diego County gardens often contain pockets of clay.  For these troublesome spots, grow herbs, like, violets, lamium, and mint.  Violets can quickly fill a moist shady nook.  Many mints can be too invasive, but pineapple mint is not, and its variegated leaves add light in the shade.  Try combining rugged herbs for an interesting solution to fill clay soil.  Find unique blends that turn poor conditions into an eye-catching nook.
           
Many gardeners near the coast, face sandy soil, which is challenging because it has little organic matter, and it is hard to keep watered.  Again, don’t despair, try those herbs that crave good drainage, and grow in poor soil.  These herbs will become more fragrant because of their struggle.  Dill, borage, feverfew, lavender, lemon verbena and thyme are a few favorites which will tolerate sandy soil.  Try a variety of herbs and the sandy spot will become a scented destination. 
           
Full sun combined with poor soil can be a devilish gardening problem.  Often, these barren areas are highly visible, like by the driveway.  Viewing dismal areas can really get to a gardener.  These hot spots often also receive reflected heat from neighboring structures as well as full sun all day.  However, there are herbs that thrive in extreme conditions, like rosemary or evening primrose.  The evening primrose has delicate pink flowers, but it is one tough plant.  This herb will invade the hottest bed with the worst soil, and provide total coverage in one season.  No need to fertilize or talk nicely to this herb.  But avoid letting this plant loose in your main garden, because it will take over.
             
Many herbs can work as problem solvers, so experiment with them to resolve your most challenging landscape issues.  By finding the right herb, you can turn the place where nothing grows into an attractive addition to your garden, rather than a disheartening sight.  Hardy herbs can lift you out of your gardening blues with their scented solutions.