HERB - question-looking ahead to spring

[Mike C. Baker]

> From: Ligessac <jcook at wingsisp.com>
> I'd like to start looking ahead to spring, my home is on a nice 10 acre
lot,
> and we only tend about 2, so the rest mostly goes to weeds, and well,
> doesn't look that nice.  I was wondering if there was an herb or nice
> flowering plant that might take off and start filling in.  I'm most
> interested in something colorful, or with a nice scent.  I would also
like
> to keep cost down too.  The soil is rich in clay, and we have a high
water
> table (impossible to have an underground basement)  
 
Josh, take a closer look at those "weeds" before you discard them out
of hand.  Many / most of them probably have components that have uses
you might not have considered yet.  An acre or two should be 
more than enough <gryn>.

Even if you choose otherwise some of the herbal options may look more 
familiar than not after you see them full grown...

Awright, with apologies I'm not certain where you are posting from --
but I've dealt with conditions much like you are describing all my
life.  Do you want something that can be harvested or just cover to
grow wild?  

Just letting something "go for it" probably won't get the result you
sound to be looking for. As a "single-planting" item, mint may fill
in empty areas but I doubt it would choke out the established weeds.
It will need some water, so not too good for dry-surface and I've not
seen it thrive in tight clay. Maybe if you have at least SOME loam,
or can mix some sand into the surface of the area you want to cover.

On the other hand, if you've got the time and gumption, how about a 
partially "wild-crafted" garden?  If we aren't talking extreme moisture, 
consider a mix of sand plum (one or two fairly large thickets in the 
final layout), persimmon, and mulberry for height areas; mint (whatever 
is local already); locust or Rosa multiflora for barriers / dividers; iris 
(flags) in one or two small areas, with ground ivy as additional ground 
cover.  I'm certain that I am forgetting something that would thrive
on clay (besides kudzu), I don't know.

The clay is going to be the hard part to overcome, particularly if it is 
anything like the red Oklahoma stuff I grew up with.  You'll really want
to increase the humus-building content by working in compost, leaves,
or whatever, or at least loosen it some by adding sand to encourage 
natural loam formation, at least if you want to keep / improve these 
plantings over time.
 
Mike C. Baker
SCA: Amr ibn Majid al-Bakri al-Amra
"Other": Kihe Blackeagle (the Dreamsinger Bard)
My opinions are my own -- who else would want them?
e-mail: kihe at ticnet.com OR kihe at rocketmail.com


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