The Herb Garden

Within its seven beds--Historical, spiritual, culinary, fragrant, medicinal, native, and Household & Dye- visitors will unearth the secrets of herbs and their cultivation.

Maintained by the Gulf Coast Herb Society, the Herb Garden is a charming, intimate garden intended to delight the senses and to educate us about the cultivation of herbs in our hot, humid environment. Thie garden contains traditional culinary herbs as well as a wide range of plants for beauty, medicinal use, spiritual significance, fragrance, and practical household use.

In this garden, several enviromental factors allow us to grow herbs twelve months a year. These factor include a relatively high elevation, protection from cold winds in winter, the use of raised beds (filled with sandy loam enriched with leaf mold) and the canopy of longleaf pines which shield our plants from the intense heat of the afternoon sun.

Plants come from local nurseries, donations from individuals, and from the MBG greenhouse. To add interest and to demonstrate how herbs may be used in the landscape, we have included other kinds of annuals and perennials in the beds.

Also, as the need arises, because of weather and other factors, some plants may be replaced or moved. The garden is constantly changing and major themes may vary from one year to the next.

The Herb Garden is maintained by the Gulf Coast Herb Society, a non-profit organization established in 1985. Its purpose is to create an interest in the growing and use of herbs, establish a program of continuing education in the field for the benefit of members and the general public; and to assist in maintaining the Herb Garden. Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the MBG Botanical Center. Annual dues are $15 and can be sent to Gulf Coast Herb Society, P. O. Box 81817, Mobile, AL 36689. For infomation, call the MBG office at (251) 342-0555

Get a taste of how herbs can be used in your home and kitchen! Download receipes from the Gulf Coast Herb Society's new cookbook, coming in September 2009. Recipes

 

Visit our new web site for additional herb related activities.

www.gulfcoastherbsociety.org