Upload
desert-botanical-garden
View
230
Download
4
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
The Herb Garden is designed with seven themed gardens. This guide has information about each area with plant recommendations and growing tips about herbs you can grow in your low desert garden.
Citation preview
D E S E R T B O T A N I C A L G A R D E N
G A R D EH E R NB H E R BH R BBR A R D E NNE NNDA R DGG AG AH E R BH E R BH R BB A RA RGG A
G U I DD EDD EU I DD EEIG UU IG UUG UU
Welcome to the Desert Botanical Garden’s
HERB GARDENHerbs have been used for generations for many
purposes from medicinal remedies to perfumes
and culinary uses. Herbs also provide beauty and
variety to our desert landscapes. We invite you to
use this guide to learn about the variety of herbs
that grow well in our Sonoran Desert and how
you can create your own herb garden at home. .
OVERVIEWThe Herb Garden is designed with seven
themed gardens. This guide has information
about each area with plant recommendations
and growing tips about herbs you can grow
in your low desert garden.
THEMESSensory Garden Wildlife Garden
Tea Garden Mediterranean Garden
Picante Garden Culinary Garden
Medicinal Garden
FEATURESA Walk Through Thyme,
Carol Bulla Sundial Memorial
St. Earth Walking, Sculpture by Robert Wick
The Barbara B. Weisz Family Plaza
DEFINITION: herb: a plant that is useful in some way
G A R D E NMany herbs that thrive in our harsh desert environment are of Mediterranean origin. Soil types, low rainfall and over 300 sunny days a year allow these familiar herbs to grow easily in our low desert gardens. Many of these plants are favorites for cooking, but some have other uses that you may not know about:
Oregano: Oils from crushed leaves are used to polish furniture and leaves hung in closets scent linens and clothes. Oregano is believed to bring good health, longevity and joy.
Sweet Marjoram: Cultivated in ancient Egypt as a symbol of honor and joy, sweet marjoram is in the same genus as oregano with leavesthat have a very spicy aroma.
Sage:Ancient Chinese used sage in spiritual and healing ceremonies. Ancient Greeks used it as a mental stimulant. Sage is in the genus of Salvia, and is associated with salvation and good health.
Thyme: There are over 400 varieties of thyme in Asia and Europe. In ancient Rome, thyme was used with garlic for energy.
Rosemary: This Mediterranean native has been used for centuries for scenting and medicinal purposes. It is associated with remembrance and fi delity because of it’s long-lasting piney aroma. Rosemary is the symbol of friendship and loyalty.
GROWING TIPS:
Most Mediterranean herbs need well-drained soil
and a lot of sun. Many of them are quite drought
tolerant. These low-maintenance plants allow
more time for enjoying your garden and are a
nice addition to desert landscapes.
E R R A N E A NNNN AA NNA NNNNENE R AA
PLANTSOriganum majorana – Sweet Marjoram
Origanum vulgare – Italian (Greek) Oregano
Rosmarinus offi cinalis – Rosemary
Salvia offi cinalis – Culinary Sage
Thymus herba-barona – Caraway-thyme
Thymus vulgaris – English Thyme
Thymbra capitata – Conehead-thyme
M E D I T
G A R D E NP I C A N T E
A cornucopia of chile pepper varieties is displayed in this hot spot. Not only do chile fruits vary in size and shape, they also have a broad range of “hotness”. How hot is hot? The Scoville scale measures capsaicin levels (heat/spiciness) in chile peppers. The ‘Habañero’ is very hot while the ‘Jalapeño’ can be termed a mildly-hot pepper. The spicy ‘Chiltepin’ is native to southern Arizona in a limited habitat. Chile peppers are colorful ornamentals in a garden.
Did you knowthat a medium-size chile contains six times the vitamin C as an orange, and two times the vitamin A and beta-carotene as a carrot?
Cooking tip: If you can’t stand the fi re of hot peppers but still want the fl avor, remove the seeds and white membranes, the parts of the pepper that hold most of the heat in the form of capsaicin.
PLANTSCapsicum annuum – ‘Chiltepin’ Chile Pepper
Capsicum annuum – ‘Jalapeño’ Chile Pepper
Capsicum annuum – ‘Poblano’/’Ancho’ Chile Pepper
Capsicum annuum – ‘Serrano’ Chile Pepper
Capsicum chinense – ‘Habañero’ Chile Pepper
Capsicum frutescens – ‘Bolivian Rainbow’ Chile Pepper
Capsicum frutescens – ‘Tabasco’ Chile Pepper
GROWING TIPS:
Chile peppers can be grown as perennials here
in the low desert. They prefer a fairly organic,
well-drained soil. Light afternoon shade and
frequent watering will keep them more robust
and productive through the summer. Chile
peppers should be protected from frost through
the winter.
This garden showcases that many herbs grown for culinary, medicinal or other uses can also be magnets for attracting wildlife to a garden. Wildlife such as butterfl ies, birds, ladybugs, and bees adds color, movement and excitement to your yard. With the loss of so much natural habitat, it is good when we can provide some wildlife with food, shelter or nesting resources.
Special note for wildlife gardens: Many types of wildlife are extremely sensitive to pesticides. Their use will prevent these creatures from visiting your garden.
GROWING TIPS:
Wildlife-attracting herbs vary in their sun, soil
and water requirements. Many of the non-desert/
non-Mediterranean herbs benefi t from an organic
soil amended with compost, and mid-day through
afternoon relief from summer’s intense sun.
Passion vines, as well as our native desert-willow,
can help offer summer shade to accommodate
these plants. At the same time, they do their part
to attract butterfl ies and hummingbirds and
provide color through the warm months.
W I L D L I F EI FI F EEWW D LLG A R D E N
PLANTSAchillea millefolium – Yarrow
Chilopsis linearis – Desert-willow
Lavandula multifi da – Fern-leaf Lavender
Monarda fi stulosa – Bee-balm, Wild Bergamot
Passifl ora caerulea – Passion Vine
Salvia leucantha – Mexican Bush Sage
Tanacetum vulgare - Tansy
Throughout human history, many different cultures have relied on plants for healing. Today, plants are the source of a quarter of all medicines, and many cultures still rely on plants as the primary source of medicines. The herbs in the medicinal garden come from around the world and from our own southwest region. To fi nd out more about native Sonoran Desert medicinal plants and traditional uses visit our Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Trail.
The plants and information in this exhibit are primarily for reference and education. It is not intended to serve as a manual for self-medication or as a substitute for qualifi ed medical advice. The visitor should be aware that any plant substance, whether used as food or medicine, externally or internally, may be harmful to some people.
Medicinal uses past and present:Aloe Vera:The thick gel inside the aloe vera leaf is used today for burns, wounds and sunburn. Extracts of leaves were once used on children’s fi ngers to stop nail biting.Horehound: This herb can be found today in candy and is also used as a cough suppressant.Purple Coneflower:Native Americans used this herb as a compress to treat snakebite, fevers, and wounds. More recently, it is known for its antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It has also been used in AIDS therapy
G A R D E N
PLANTSAristolochia watsonii – Snakeroot
Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) – Aloe Vera
Bursera microphylla – Elephant Tree
Echinacea purpurea – Purple Conefl ower
Marrubium vulgare – Horehound
Tanacetum parthenium – Feverfew
Tecoma stans – Yellow Bells
M E D I C I N A LMMM N AN A LLAEE C I NI LLLNGROWING TIPS:
This wide range of plants varies in needs for
sun exposure, soil conditions, and water. In the
low desert, aloe vera and purple conefl ower
can both benefi t from light shade during mid
summer. Other plants such as horehound will
endure full sun exposure. Horehound and aloe
vera will thrive in our desert soil, whereas
feverfew and conefl ower would prefer a
richer, organically
amended soil. In
the heat of the
summer, feverfew
will need frequent watering, but aloe vera
would prefer the soil to dry some
between watering.
G A R D E NA sensory garden offers a place to relax, meditate, and rejuvenate. Many herbs in this garden offer enchantingly fragrant foliage or blossoms, stimulating texture, or scintillating colors that arouse the senses. Other plants create graceful movement and sounds as gentle breezes pass by. A sensory garden is meant for lingering.
How many senses can you use inthis garden?
Smell… scented geranium, sage, lavender, thyme
See…color, texture, shapes, distant vistas
Hear… gentle breezes, rustle of grasses, hum of hummingbirds and bees
Touch… soft leaves of dittany of Crete, texture of warm soil
Taste…savory sage and thyme
GROWING TIPS:
These plants vary in their sunlight, watering,
and soil preferences. Scented geraniums thrive
with a bit of afternoon shade or fi ltered sun, a
fairly organic well-drained soil, and moderately
frequent watering through the summer.
The lavenders, many sages, and santolinas relish
full sun exposure and infrequent watering, and
require excellent soil drainage. A variety of herbs
fall between these extremes, with some able to
perform well under a wider range of conditions.
S E N S O R YE NESS E N SS YY PLANTSHyptis emoryi – Desert-lavender
Lavandula dentata –French Lavender
Lavandula heterophylla -Sweet Lavender
Pelargonium graveolens – Rose-scented Geranium
Salvia clevelandii - Chaparral Sage
Santolina chamaecyparissus – Grey Santolina, Lavender-cotton
G A R D E N
PLANTSAloysia triphylla – Lemon-verbena
Cymbopogon citratus – Lemon-grass
Ephedra spp. – Mormon-tea
Mentha spp. - Mints
Nepeta cataria – Catnip
Poliomintha incana – Hoary Rosemary mint
T E AT ET EE AAGROWING TIPS:
Many of the non-native tea herbs require an
organically rich soil and a good amount of
water. These are best located in afternoon
shade conditions for the summer. Some of the
southwest natives are drought tolerant and
thrive in full sun locations. Provide these with
well-drained soil.
Mint and lemon-fl avored herbs are among the most popular for herbal teas. With the variety of these plants that thrive in our area, along with other fl avored herbs, you can grow a tea blend to relax or stimulate your mood, or simply appeal to your taste
buds. Some of the herbs can be harvested year-round, while others can be picked at their peak and stored for later brewing.
Herbal teas provide a fl avorful, healthy and soothing drink. They are caffeine free, may act as a digestive aide, and many have a calming effect, promoting well-being.
The part of the plant used to make an herbal tea varies with each plant. The fl owers, seeds, leaves, stems, bark or roots can be steeped to make a drink.
Brewing tip:As a general rule, use one teaspoon of dried herbs, or two teaspoons of fresh herbs to each cup of boiled water for tea.
G A R D E NC U L I N A R YA RA YYYRACC I NN
Several of these plants are old familiars to most gardeners. Try some of the less common herbs to experience new fl avors to spice
up your cuisine. Some culinary herbs are annuals, changing with the seasons. For
ease of planting, designate an area for them in your garden.
Cooking tips: • Culinary chives can be substituted
for scallions to achieve a mild onion fl avor.
• For a great salad add basil, garlic-chives, black pepper and balsamic vinegar.
• Place French tarragon sprigs in vinegar to preserve the subtlety of the fresh herb.
PLANTSAllium schoenoprasum – Culinary Chives
Crithmum maritimum – Samphire
Foeniculum vulgare v. dulce – Florence Fennel
Petroselinum crispum ‘ Italian’ – Italian Flat-leaf Parsley
Sanguisorba minor (Poterium sanguisorba)– Salad Burnet
Tagetes lucida – Mexican-tarragon, Mexican-mint Marigold, Yerba-anis
Tulbaghia violacea – Society-garlic
GROWING TIPS :
While many culinary herbs are perennials,
some of them are seasonal annuals and must
be grown in either the cool season or the warm
season here in the low desert. For example, an-
nual cilantro and
dill can be planted
in the fall to grow
through the cool
months. Epazote thrives in the heat of summer
and dies off with winter’s cold. Some perennials
such as culinary chives, French tarragon, and
Mexican-tarragon may disappear underground
for the winter, re-sprouting with fresh growth
the following spring. Parsley, normally a bien-
nial lasting two years, may not endure summer
here. Basil, commonly an annual in other
regions, can last well past one season here if
protected from frost.
Fall Annuals Cool Season
Allium ampeloprasum – Elephant GarlicAllium cepa – ShallotsAnethum graveolens – DillAnthriscus cerefolium – ChervilBorago offi cinalis – BorageCalendula offi cinalis – CalendulaCoriandrum sativum – Cilantro/CorianderSalvia columbariae – Desert ChiaTropaeolum majus – NasturtiumViola tricolor – Johnny Jump-ups
Spring Annuals Warm SeasonChenopodium ambrosioides – EpazoteHelianthus tuberosa – Sunchoke, Jerusalem-artichokeHyptis suaveolens – Summer-chia, Golden-chiaPorophyllum ruderale – Bolivian Bush-cilantroSalvia tiliaefolia – Tarahumara Chia
G L O S S A R Y O F H E R B A L T E R M S
Annual: A plant that grows from seed, flowers, develops seed, and dies within
one growing season.
Biennial: A plant that takes two growing seasons to complete its life cycle,
flowering, developing seeds and dying in the second year.
Capsaicin: The chemical compound that gives Chile peppers their heat.
Compost: Decomposed organic matter.
Genus: A group of related plant species (one or more species); the first part of the
botanical name of a plant.
Herb: A plant that is useful in some way. It may be used in food preparation, or
for medicine, tea, cosmetics, aromatherapy, crafting, dyeing, construction, ritual, pest
control, or many other things.
Organic matter: Decomposed plant or animal remains.
Perennial: A plant that lives more than two growing seasons, often flowering
and producing seed every year.
Species: A group of plants that are alike and can interbreed; the second part of
the botanical name of a plant.
R E F E R E N C E B O O K S A N D R E S O U R C E S
The Low Desert Herb Gardening Handbook Arizona Herb Association
Desert Gardening for Beginners - How to Grow Vegetables, Flowers and Herbs in an Arid Climate Cathy Cromell, Linda Guy, Lucy Bradley Arizona Master Gardener Press
The Herb Society of America EncyclopediaOf Herbs and Their Uses Deni Brown Dorling Kindersley
Growing Herbs from Seed, Cutting, & Root Thomas DeBaggio Interweave Press
Arizona Herb Association www.azherb.org 602.470.8086, ext. 830
Desert Botanical Garden Plant Hotline 480.941.1225
N O T E S
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN1201 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008 480-941-1225 • www.dbg.org
T E S
1201 N
SE SEE STO EO TT S
ARDg orgww.db
BOTA41-1208 480
DESEAZ 8AZ 8x, enixiPkwkn alvil
ESERT BOTANICAL GARDENPh db22008 480 94APiG
GARDEBOTA41 1
DESEAZ 8Pkl 8iGN G01211