Five Tips for Helping You Plant Your Apothecary Garden

Also included are general helps providing background information and ways to make your apothecary gardening more fun.

While paging through old history books of Europe, you likely will see the beautiful gardens. You probably didn't know that many of the plants seen in those pictures were used as remedies and preventives for ailments. Medicine itself was still in the "dark ages" but many of these types of plants had true healing impact.

Even today many Eastern and alternative medicines are often used and are popular healers. Many current drugs used in the world are derived from the same plants as were grown in gardens of earlier times. They have been proven to work.

Some well-known ailments treated with apothecary herbs and plants include: arthritis pain, rashes, insect bites, common cold etc.

Thankfully, most medicinal plants and herbs are quite easy to grow. If they are planted in good soil and have adequate growing conditions gardeners will reap the benefits.

Remember, however, that they should not replace your health care provider and regular trips to your doctor. This is especially important for serious health care problems.

Think about your garden prior to planting it.

1. Arrange your garden for easy maintenance.
You may plant simple rows or arrange your garden around a fountain or birdbath. They also make excellent borders for landscaped areas. Learn which plants grow tallest so they can be planted in the back if you choose to layer your plants against a fence or backdrop.

2. Prepare soil with peat moss or compost, add fertilizer and be sure drainage is good.
If drainage is poor, add perlite granules to the soil.

3. Decide which plants you wish to use.
Some suggestions would be English lavender, lemon balm, chamomile, pot marigold, garlic and sweet marjoram. Garlic has been known to reduce blood pressure, lemon is soothing for indigestion problems, chamomile is known to help with severe menstrual cramps and leaves of pot marigold have been used to treat bee stings.

4. Ornament your apothecary garden to add medieval interest.
Use river rock for edgings - or even more decorative stonework, perhaps in gothic designs. The use of stone helps with the easy of caring for and the durability of the garden. Also use small gothic statues for ornaments. A simple rustic fountain, with your chosen plants makes a usable and enjoyable garden for the entire growing season.

5. Simply add your table for relaxing - or a special bench. Then take time to enjoy your lovely apothecary garden - both for looks and medicinal help. Maybe you'd even enjoy installing a small moat in that area. Enjoy a gazebo or small castle playhouse for children. You'll all have fun.

You could also use some of the herbs in your kitchen and some will make very special and relaxing teas.