“Kiss of the sun for pardon. Song of the birds for mirth. You’re closer to God’s heart in a garden than any place else on earth. –~Dorothy Frances Gurney.”
Gardening is often a refuge for me & I am sure for others. It is a quiet place away from all demands of family and work. My goal is to help others fall in love with gardening, even if not as deeply as I love it.
In that attempt, my task is to teach all of YOU how to create your own refuge and secret space. I want to instill this passion in every person dreaming of having a little spot of their own to grow in. I want to inspire the avid gardener to create something new and different, and the experienced gardener a new design technique!
Despite the size, style or location of your garden, it should be an extension of your heart and soul.
I hope today I’ll stir that up in you…
The Potager… AKA The Kitchen Garden
Historically the potager was most similar to the traditional English cottage garden. It was based mainly on vegetables and other edible plants and herbs, often incorporating some cut flower plants for the household.
Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing with you how to create several styles of gardens. Basic how-to with tips & tricks on the style & elements that go with each! Next up will be my personal favorite, The Cottage Garden!
Here are a few tips and ideas on how to create your own Kitchen Garden!
Pro Tip: Did you know another name for a Kitchen Garden is a Potager?
“The traditional kitchen garden, vegetable garden, also known as a potager or in Scotland a kailyaird, is a space separate from the rest of the residential garden – the ornamental plants and lawn areas. It is used for growing edible plants and often some medicinal plants, especially historically.”
Source, Wikipedia
*If at all possible, put your kitchen garden as close to the house near an entry door for the simple ease of gathering the bounty for your meals.
*There should be an accessible water source so a sprinkler can be used.
*Take before and after photos to monitor the progress and growth through the years.
*Sketch your garden plan layout and what you’d like to incorporate before you start. Get the proper info on each plant and know how much space you’ll need for growth habits. I’ve too often crammed things into thinking, “It’ll be fine…” not giving ample room. The end result is me climbing over and through a mass of plants.
*Use containers in your garden to help keep more aggressive and heavy re-seeders where you want them.
*Adding both non-edible and edible flowers will add practical functionality, beauty and charm!
Now that you’ve got the how-to on creating a kitchen garden, I hope you’ll start dreaming of your own refuge… your own secret place… your own garden.
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Happy Day,
Jean
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