Project: Herb Spiral

Aim: Create and environment suitable for every type of herb, within easy reach of kitchen

Location: Central Portugal, Corga da Peirera

Permaculture Aspects/Benefits:

• Spiral is a common pattern of nature
• 2m round is a small area, enough to be watered within the reach of one circular sprinkler head, wasting no water or time
• All herbs are together in one convenient location near to kitchen, all within reach from the edge
• Suitable environment for all herbs, ie:
• Shade- North facing side eg; mint, chives
• Sun- South facing side eg; lemon balm, thyme, sage
• Top/Sun- Most heat eg; rosemary, oregano
• Half Sun- East/West facing sides eg; hyssop, mint, calendula, parsley, chamomile, watercress

Method:

• Chose location, measured out area with string and pole, leveled ground, decided on where to make a large planned pond to use for topsoil for spiral
• Worked out which is north and south facing sides
• Dug in tyre for small pond on the edge of spiral for aquaculture and watercress. Lined with old plastic lining. North/West facing for evening sun
• Laid rocks around edges
• Began filling with soil (found the only worms we'd seen on the property!)
• Laid more rocks as the soil rose
• Filled to about 1metre and completed rocks
• Planted herbs in assigned spots, many to still be planted in spring
• Mulched
• Covered tyre and sealed with cob mix (straw, sand, clay)

Digging the new pond to use the soil for the spiral

Aysha plants out first herbs

Spiral with a view!

 Final product, mulched and growing!