Cultivating Tranquility: The Urban Car Park Herb Garden

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Introduction

We at Jekka's believe that everyone should have a herb garden. They not only add colour and flavour to your life, but they are also a great source of health and wellbeing. It is especially important to do this in urban areas, which are often more noisy, crowded and polluted than rural areas. You can still create a green oasis in urban areas. Jekka’s was recently commissioned to design an Urban Car Park Herb Garden in a block flats. We turned raised beds that were previously unloved into herb gardens. This innovative concept combines the convenience of urban living with the timeless appeal of herb cultivation. It offers city dwellers the chance to reconnect with nature while enjoying the freshness of herbs in an unexpected setting.

The Concrete Canvas: Transforming Car Parks

The car park is a common feature in urban landscapes. It's often considered a functional space. The Urban Car Park Herb Garden, however, challenges this perception by utilizing the potential of these spaces to create lush, vibrant herb gardens. Communities can turn cold, unused spaces into vibrant ecosystems by repurposing them creatively. This will enhance the urban environment and promote sustainable practices.

Urban Car Park Herb Garden: 5 Top Benefits

1. Green Space Among Concrete and Stone: The existence of greenery among concrete and stone can improve the aesthetics in an urban area. Herb gardens can bring color, texture and life to parking lots, creating a feeling of renewal and a break from the monotonous cityscape.
2. Herbs At Your Fingertips Imagine being in a position to pick fresh Oregano or Rosemary just steps from your apartment. Urban Car Park Herb Garden beautifies and enhances the environment, while providing easy access to culinary and medicinal herbs. This promotes healthy living by encouraging people to eat more healthily and cultivates a closer relationship between them and their food.
3. Air Quality & Biodiversity : The plants are nature's purifiers of air, absorbing pollutants while releasing oxygen. Integrating an herb garden in a parking lot can help reduce air pollution, and improve air quality. Such gardens can also attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies and other insects, which promote biodiversity in the center of the city.
4. Community engagement: Herb Gardens have a special way of bringing together people. Residents, employees and visitors are invited to participate in the maintenance of the herb garden and attend educational workshops about gardening, sustainability and using herbs. This type of communal involvement strengthens social ties and promotes a shared sense of responsibility for the urban environment.
5. Urban Agriculture and Sustainability: Urban Car Park Herb Gardens are aligned with the growing trend in urban agriculture and sustainability. Cities can reduce their carbon footprint by utilizing underused spaces. They can also promote local produce and encourage a move towards an eco-friendly and self-sufficient lifestyle. Read Jekka’s guide to becoming a sustainable herbal gardener.

Laying out and planting Jekka’s Urban Car Park Herb Garden

Jekka's Urban Car Park Herb Garden

Below are some of the plants and designs we used to create our Urban Car Park Herb Garden. This garden was designed with low-maintenance evergreen herbs and edible herbs that are easy to use, including herbs that can be used in tisanes or herbal infused drinks.

Jekka's Urban Car Park Herb Garden is made up of three raised beds. In the middle of each bed, there are car park lights. Between the beds, you will find parking bays.

Jekka shares her 6 top tips for "Growing On" herbs.

Jekka's Herbs in her Urban Car Park Herb Garden:

• Chives are a common culinary herb. However, the flavor is best when picked fresh. Add them towards the end of cooking a dish to prevent the flavour from fading. Chives go well with potatoes, eggs, shellfish and salads.
• Garlic Chives is similar to normal Chives but with a garlic flavor. The white star-shaped flowers are also delicious sprinkled over salads and potatoes.
• French tarragon ( Artemisia Dracunculus French ) must be a culinary herb. Its flavor is a great way to increase appetite, and it complements many dishes, including chicken, veal and fish.

• Fennel Purpureum ( Feniculum vulgare "Purpureum") is a beautiful bronze plant with attractive foliage. Its height allows it to be planted in the middle of a flower bed and softens the harshness from the parking lot lights. You can use it to season fatty meats such as pork and stuffings of poultry and lamb. Also delicious as a dressing for salads or vegetables.
• French marjoram ( Origanum "French") has aromatic, green leaves in winter that turn gold in the summer. It is an essential herb in Italian cooking and is used to flavour food.
• Hyssop is a dense spike of dark blue flowers. It attracts a variety of pollinators. It has a flavour that is a mixture of Mint, Oregano, and Thyme. It is not used as much in cooking despite its popularity. Add leaves to soups and stews as well as fatty foods.
• Lavender Old English has fragrant spikes of pale purple/blue flowers. They are great for drying and cutting. It is a great plant for attracting pollinators and bees to your garden.

Bronze Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum')

• Black Mitcham Mint is a beautiful variety of peppermint. The classic infusion of leaves is one of the most popular, as it not only tastes great but also stimulates the digestive system. Blending with Spearmint such as Tashkent makes for the most relaxing Tisane. Jekka's recipe of perfect herbal infusion will show you how.
• Swiss Ricola Mint is another excellent peppermint to use for herbal infusions and tisanes. Jekka has a blog that shows you how.
• Tashkent mint ( Mentha Spicata "Tashkent") is our favourite spearmint that goes well when combined with new potatoes. It also makes a delicious mint sauce.

• Fota Blue Salvia ( Salvia rosemarinus "Fota Blue") is an attractive trailing Salvia with dark blue flowers which cascades down the side of raised beds.
• Gorizia rosemary ( Salviarosmarinus "Gorizia") has small, light-blue flowers. It goes well with lamb, tomatoes, rice, salads or egg dishes.
• Green Ginger Rosemary is a rosemary that has dark green, short leaves with a ginger scent. It is a great culinary herb that imparts a mild ginger flavor.
• Jekka’s Green Dragon Rosemary is a dark green, upright Rosemary that forms a beautiful bush.

Rosemary Fota blue ( Salvia rosemarinus "Fota blue"

• Cotton Lavender Pretty Carol Santolina Chamaecyparissus "Pretty Carol"is an evergreen hardy shrub with silver leaves throughout the year. It also has yellow pom pom flowers to add a little drama.
• Purple Sage (Salvia 'Purpurascens,' a tough evergreen shrub) has purple leaves all year. It adds a wonderful flavour to meats and sauces. It is also used to preserve sausages.
• Salad burnet ( Sanguisorba major ) is a hardy, evergreen perennial with soft leaves. It makes a great addition to any herb garden. The leaves are nutty and have a hint of cucumber. Use as a garnish for a Gin & Tonic!

• Compact thyme ( Thymus vulgaris "Compactus") makes a neat upright bush. It is a key ingredient in bouquet garni, and is good for stocks, marinades, and stews.
• Thymus "Culinary lemon" is an essential for the kitchen. Its lemon flavour and scent go well with fish and chicken dishes.
• Winter Savory is an evergreen bush covered with white flowers during the summer, making it a paradise for pollinators. It has a hot, peppery flavour that complements poultry and fish.

Would you like to know more about this? Check out Jekka’s culinary herb guide and Jekka’s herb-based recipe collection for more ideas.

Care and Maintenance of an Urban Car Park Herb Garden

Jekka’s 3 top tips for maintaining an herb garden in raised bed are:

1. Make sure to water your herbs in the morning. You may need to water your plants more than once on some days if the weather is very hot. Water regularly, especially if it is your first summer in the garden and the plants have not fully grown. Many plants can tolerate drought once they are established. However, leafy plants like mint, parsley, and comfrey need water in order to thrive.
   
   Jekka’s top tip for watering basil: water Basil before noon so that he doesn't go to sleep wet if the temperature drops below 15C at night.

2. Feeding your herbs:Ensure that you feed your herbs weekly with a liquid fertilizer during the growing seasons. We use Maxcropliquid seaweed. It may be helpful to repot established herbs into larger pots, or topdress with fresh compost. Fresh compost is usually enough to feed a new garden for six weeks.
   
   
3. Trim or cut back perennial herbs. After they have flowered, you should trim back perennials in order to remove dead flowers and maintain their shape. This is especially true for plants from the Lamiaceae Family, which includes Lavender and thyme. (Check out our Lavender Blog on our website for additional tips about how to prune Lavender). When Mint begins to mildew or go over, cut it back hard. This will encourage a second flush until the first frosts. Box and Cotton Lavender are two other plants that you may want to trim or clip.

Check out the 'Jekka Seasonal Tips' series of blogs for more information on how to grow and maintain herbs. This includes advice about what you can do in your herb gardens in spring, autumn and winter, and late spring. Together, they are the foundation of Jekka’s guide on How to Grow Herbs.

Conclusion

The Urban Car Park Herb Garden demonstrates human ingenuity, and how ordinary spaces can be transformed into urban sanctuaries. This innovative idea can help cities revitalize their landscapes and foster a community spirit while promoting sustainable living. The herb garden is a beacon for hope as urbanisation continues to shape our world. It reminds us that beauty and abundance of nature can flourish even in the concrete and chaos.

Do you want to know more about?

Jekka’s offers a wealth material on the design and planting of culinary herb gardens. Additional Guides and blogs that may also be helpful are:

• Jekka’s Guide to Growing Herbs
• Jekka’s Guide for a Sustainable Herb Grower
• Jekka’s Tips for Planting a Culinary-Herb Garden
• Jekka’s advice on growing herbs in containers
• Marcus Wareing's Herb Kitchen Garden
• Jekka’s Riverstone culinary herb garden
  

See also the main page for J Ekka's Herb Garden

Jekka’s blog, videos and Jekka’s book ‘A Pocketful of Herbs’ or Jekka’s Complete Herb Book’ are all great resources for learning more about herbs. You can also browse Jekkapedia to find herb-based recipes and explore Jekkapedia.

Visit the herb farm at South Gloucestershire during one of our Open Days, Master Classes, or Herb Experiments like this year's Jekka HerbFest.

You can also check out Jekka's herb of the month blogs for: Bay (January), Rosemary, (February), Salad burnet (March), French Tarragon, (April), Angelica, (May), Alliums, (June), Lavender July), Mint August), Szechuan Pepper September), Thyme November and Curry Tree December.

You can collect herb plants from our herb farm located in South Gloucestershire, or you can attend one of our open days. You can check our'Look Good List'to see what's available. Use our webform, or send us an email ([email protected]) with your list. There is no longer a mail order service available for our plants. However, we occasionally offer a limited selection of Jekka’s Culinary Herb Boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What herb is best for healing?

Herbs are a fantastic way to help heal our bodies. Herbal medicine has been used since ancient times and continues to grow today. There are thousands of herbs known to cure various ailments.

Some herbs are excellent for treating colds and flu, while others can treat anxiety, depression, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more.

There are also herbal remedies for skin care, hair loss, weight loss, sexual health, energy, sleep, digestion, and much more.

The list goes on and on. But one herb stands above them all regarding its ability to heal. That herb is called aloe vera.

Aloe Vera is considered to be the world's most powerful healer. For centuries it has helped people heal themselves naturally without any side effects.

It's incredible how well aloe vera works. It's even better than prescription drugs and surgery.

In addition to its natural healing properties, aloe vera is highly versatile and can be used in almost any area of life, including food, beauty products, and household cleaning supplies.

You may not realize this, but aloe vera contains hundreds of active compounds, which include vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, sulfur, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, fluoride, iodine, selenium and more.

These nutrients are essential for human body functions such as cell growth, metabolism, immune system support, healthy bones and teeth, healthy blood pressure levels, healthy eyesight, healthy cardiovascular systems, healthy digestive systems, healthy lungs, healthy nervous system, healthy reproductive organs, healthy skin, and healthy libido.

What herbs should you take daily?

Depending on your health and wellness needs, many herbs can be taken daily to help improve your overall health.

Popular herbs for daily consumption include ashwagandha, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, and cayenne pepper. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body resist stress and anxiety. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger has been shown to aid digestion and boost immunity. Holy basil may help with managing blood sugar levels, as well as providing a calming effect. Chamomile can promote relaxation, while lavender is used in aromatherapy for its calming properties. Peppermint can help aid digestion and reduce nausea, while cayenne pepper has antibacterial properties that may boost your immunity.

As always, you must consult your doctor before taking herbs daily to ensure they are safe for you and do not interact with any other medications or herbs you may be taking.

There is no shortage of information on what foods we should eat and how much exercise we should do. But when it comes to what supplements we should take, there is a dearth of knowledge.

This is because most of us aren’t sure which ones work or which are junk. So we go online and look up whatever we can find.

But often, these articles are written by companies trying to promote their products. Which means they're usually biased toward their product.

So instead of finding unbiased advice, we end up reading marketing hype.

This makes sense since marketers make more money selling stuff than doctors.

The medical industry isn’t even allowed to advertise directly to consumers anymore. The best way to learn about natural remedies is to read independent reviews.

This is where you'll find real users sharing their experiences with each supplement. These sites give you an honest opinion of whether or not a particular herb helps.

Users will often share their experience with a supplement after taking it. This gives you a good idea of its effectiveness and any side effects.

You can also check out forums dedicated to herbalism. Here you can ask questions and receive answers based on personal experience.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to learn about herbs.

There are books, websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and classes. All of them provide valuable information about natural remedies.

What spice is good for inflammation?

Turmeric is one spice that can be beneficial for reducing inflammation. It contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has been studied extensively and shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Other spices like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, and cardamom may also reduce inflammation in the body. Adding these spices to your diet can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

Another spice that can be used to reduce inflammation is black pepper. The active ingredient in black pepper, piperine, has been studied and found to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help reduce pain associated with inflammation. Additionally, the spice contains antioxidants which are beneficial for overall health.

Adding black pepper to your diet may help reduce inflammation and promote overall health. Be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any spice to your diet, as some spices may interact with your medications or supplements. Eating various healthy foods, including spices with anti-inflammatory benefits, can help keep your body balanced and reduce the risk of chronic inflammation-related illnesses.

In summary, adding spices to your diet can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, cardamom, and black pepper have all been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects.

What spices assist in recovery?

The use of spices to aid in healing is an ancient practice dating back centuries. Many spices have been used for their medicinal properties, including ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and garlic. Each of these spices has unique benefits that can help with various health issues.

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can help reduce inflammation in the body. It can also be used to soothe an upset stomach or relieve nausea.

Cinnamon has been found to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agents. It is even believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial in helping prevent diabetes.

Cayenne pepper has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also thought to increase circulation and metabolism, which can help the body heal more quickly.

Turmeric is an herb that contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant. Curcumin is beneficial in treating various conditions, from arthritis and neurological disorders to cancer.

Garlic is packed with nutrients and has many health benefits. It can help reduce inflammation, act as antibiotic, lower cholesterol levels, and even boost the immune system.

These spices are all-natural ways to help the body heal and improve overall health. They can all be easily incorporated into food or taken in supplement form for convenience. While spices alone won't cure any ailments, they can play an essential role in aiding healing.

In addition to spices, there are also other natural remedies for healing, such as herbs, essential oils, and homeopathy. Research has shown that many of these remedies can be effective in treating a variety of conditions. If you're looking for an alternative to conventional medicine, consider incorporating some of these natural remedies into your health routine.

What is the difference between herbs and spices?

Herbs are used for cooking, and spices are used for seasoning.

Herbs have more intense flavors and can be used to cook dishes, while spices can bring out the flavor of foods without altering the taste.

Spices can also be added to food during preparation, such as curry. Spices may be bought individually, or whole packages may be purchased. There are many spices, including black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sage, salt, thyme, turmeric, vanilla extract, etc.

The best way to ensure that you are selecting the right spice for your dish is to read the label carefully. If there is an ingredient list, look for "spice" among the ingredients. A common mistake cooks make is buying too much of a particular spice because they do not realize how little they need.

There are a few basic rules to follow when choosing which herb or spice to use. For example, most herbs are fresh, whereas spices tend to last longer. Also, herbs are generally found in small quantities, while spices come in larger containers. Finally, most herbs are usually sold loose (or ground), while spices are packaged in jars or cans.

As long as you are careful to select the correct herbs or spices, you will find that adding them to recipes makes preparing meals easier. After all, spices add flavor to various dishes, while herbs can help improve the appearance and aroma of food.

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.

Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.

Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.

Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.

You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.

What plant helps with infection?

There are plants out there that help fight infections. Some even contain anti-bacterial properties. One of them is mint.

Mint has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections such as cold symptoms and flu. Mint also supports digestion and relieves gas pains. You may find relief with peppermint tea if you have an upset stomach. Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties, which make it effective against germs.

Peppermint tea contains menthol, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients support healthy immune systems and provide energy to keep your body strong.

You can make peppermint tea at home by adding one teaspoon of dried mint leaves to boiling water. Let steep for five minutes and drink hot three times per day.

Or you can buy peppermint tea bags at any grocery store. Simply add two teaspoons of dried mint leaves to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink hot three times per day for best results.

Statistics

• Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.
• The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.

External Links

[TAG31]

• Ashwagandha | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center


• Grape Seed | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

[TAG34]

• Bouquet garni - Wikipedia

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• Peppermint oil (Mintoil®) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A prospective, double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial


• Curcumin reverses the effects of chronic stress on behavior, the HPA axis, BDNF expression, and phosphorylation of CREB

[TAG39]

• Amazon.com: Starwest Botanicals Organic Bilberries Whole, 4 Ounces: Grocery & Gourmet Food

How To

What to look for in herbs?

Herbs contain natural compounds that may help treat various conditions. In addition, herbal remedies may provide relief when used along with conventional treatments.

Herbal remedies include teas, capsules, tablets, ointments, creams, lotions, oils, and topical applications. Some of these products are meant to be taken internally, while others are applied externally.

The most common uses of herbal remedies include relieving minor aches and pains, treating cold symptoms, reducing fever, controlling coughs and sore throats, easing digestion problems, soothing skin irritations, alleviating menstrual cramps, and providing general health benefits.

When buying herbs, look for the following:

• Freshly picked plants. Avoid dried herbs unless they've been stored in a cool place. If possible, buy herbs directly from farmers' markets.
• Pure extracts. These are made by extracting the active ingredients from herbs using alcohol or water. Look for 100% pure extractions.
• Certified organic herbs. Organic herbs must meet strict standards set forth by the USDA.
• Natural flavors. Many herbs have strong scents that can overwhelm other foods. Adding flavorings such as vanilla, almond, or orange helps mask their smell.
• Potency. The amount of active ingredient per unit weight varies depending on the type of herb.
• Packaging. When purchasing herbs, check the packaging to ensure that it's clean and free of chemicals.

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