Jekka’s Riverstone culinary kitchen herb garden

For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ... 

Jekka created an herb garden at Riverstone's Kensington residence, which offers exceptional London living to over 65s. The garden is a part of a communal garden that residents and visitors can enjoy. It's being delivered by Jekka and her friend, landscape designer Andy Sturgeon.

Andy designed the gardens so that people can take a journey throughout the space. Residents will be able to interact with the gardens all year long. The interconnected paths and seating areas allow for social interaction and chance meetings with neighbours. Trees and shrubs provide more privacy, creating the perfect balance.

Jekka's Riverstone Kitchen Herb Garden is located within these gardens. Jekka wants to create a space that residents can enjoy. Jekka wants to create a space where residents can enjoy picking herbs with their children, grandchildren, and friends.

Riverstone will host seed-sowing and herb-growing workshops for residents and families. This is a great way to share a rewarding experience with family members and take something tangible from the garden.

The herb garden will feature a variety of herbs, including those listed below. The herb garden at Riverstone will have a wide selection of herbs from Jekka’s collection. Jekka explains, "We've also chosen to include some less-familiar herb varieties, such as Lemon Verbena, Aloysia Citrodora, which makes a relaxing tisane, and Oysterleaf, Mertensia Maritima, that has beautiful, bright blue, bell shaped flowers that open from pink buds early in the summer.

Many people are growing their own herbs for the pleasure and cost savings. This blog is based on Jekka’s Riverstone Kitchen Herb Garden, but it can be applied to any kitchen herb garden. Below is a planting plan to help you build your own culinary herbs garden.

This blog is part of the Sustainable Gardener Series and follows Jekka’s small herb gardens, Jekka’s tips for balcony herb gardeners. These blogs were created to help everyone grow and enjoy herbs no matter how much space they have.

Herbs that are sustainable in a kitchen garden

Herbs in a kitchen herb garden should be grown using organic and sustainable methods. It is important to use organic feeds, no harmful pesticides, and peat-free compost and substrates.

Not only are the culinary herbs delicious and healthy, but they also have a remarkable biodiversity that includes pollinators. These pollinators, in turn, are essential to creating sustainable environments.

Moreover, gardens and especially productive kitchen gardens can combat climate change on so many levels. As an example, gardens can reduce emissions and store carbon, provide safe havens to our wildlife, and contribute to a safer and more comfortable local environment. The number of people living in cities will only increase, and access to gardens and green spaces will become more important for our health.

Read Jekka’s organic and sustainable method of growing herbs

How do you create a kitchen herb-garden

We at Jekka's encourage everyone to use and grow culinary herbs, as they are not only delicious but also beautiful and highly beneficial. Jekka says that growing herbs and using them in cooking is very satisfying.

The best location for a kitchen herb garden or any other kitchen is ideally in an area that's easily accessible. In the Riverstone Kensington Residence, the chefs can reach the herb garden directly from the restaurant's kitchen.

The more sun that your herb garden receives, the better it will taste. Sunlight brings oils to the top of the leaves of herbs like Sage, Coriander and Rosemary.

The Riverstone Kitchen Herb Garden is a raised bed that has been well-drained, and irrigation.

An empty bed ready to plant

Jekka's 10 must haves for any kitchen herb garden include:

1. Basil ( Ocimum ) - There is a wide variety of Basils, ranging in taste and colour from Ocimum basilicum purpurascens and its dark purple flowers and leaves to Ocimum africanum. Ocimum citriodorum has bright yellow leaves with a lemony scent. This herb is popular and used in summer cooking. To preserve fresh basil, it is best to use it immediately. However, you can also make sauces or butters with this herb.
   
   
2. Bay ( Laurus nobilis ) is an essential culinary herb. It is a key ingredient in bouquets garni, and it's used a lot with soups, stews and milk dishes. Want more information? Check out Jekka’s blog All About Bay.
   
   
3. Chives ( Allium ) - These are common culinary herbs that can be found growing in herb gardens. The Allium Schoenoprasum is the most common, with its purple flowers in a globe shape. The leaves and flowers of Allium schoenoprasum are edible. They have a mild onion flavour. Want more information? Check out Jekka's Blog Learn about Alliums.
   
   
4. Hyssop - (Hyssopus ) Hyssop is a plant with dense spikes that can range from blue to pink and white depending on the type. The aromatic green leaves are small and were used in cooking a lot before, but they're now forgotten because of the more popular Thyme or Oregano. Hyssop can be used in soups, stews, and fatty foods.
   
   
5. Lemon Verbena - Lemon Verbena is a plant with green leaves that are scented like lemons and small white flowers. Leaves can be used in tisane, jams, jellies and ice cream. The flowers have a strong lemon flavor and are edible.
   
   
6. Mint ( mentha ) - Mint can be used in a wide variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. You can use mint to make delicious vinegars, jellies and a digestive tea. Do you want to learn more Then read Jekka’s Guide to Mint.
   
   
7. Oregano, Origanum, is a pungent herb that is used in Italian, Greek, and Mexican cuisines. Oregano is a great herb for tomatoes, aubergine, and lamb. It's added at the end of the cooking process to retain its pungency.
   
   
8. Parsley ( Petroselinum ) - Parsley is mildly bitter, and it enhances the flavour of other foods. It is best to add it at the end of cooking. Parsleys contain a lot of iron and Vitamins C and A.
   
   
9. Rosemary ( Salviarosmarinus ) - Rosemary has a long history in cooking. It goes well with lamb, potatoes, tomatoes, eggs, apple, wine cups in summer, cordials or herbal infusions. The upright varieties can be used as tasty barbecue sticks. Do you want to learn more? Check out Jekka’s Guide to Rosemary.
   
   
10. Thyme ( thymus), -, is a genus with a very diverse appearance. It is found in many parts of the globe. Since ancient times, it has been used both for its medicinal and culinary properties. Thyme helps digestion and breaks down fats. It is a main ingredient in bouquet garni, and is good for stocks, marinades, and stews. Do you want to learn more about thyme? Read Jekka’s Guide to Thyme.

Plantation bed with Mint, Basils and Red Amaranth

Jekka's Riverstone kitchen herb garden

The herb garden is made up of two raised beds in the shape of an L that surround a seating area. It is easier to harvest and maintain herbs in raised beds. The residents of Riverstone can enjoy the scents and colors of herbs by placing a seating area in the middle. Being able to observe nature in action can inspire, relax and improve the well-being of people.

Chefs also want to use herbs in their cooking, so the main entrance is located near the kitchen and restaurant. The beds have been trimmed with basils and salad herbs to make it easy for chefs and residents alike to harvest.

Jekka’s design is made up of two bay trees in the shape of pyramids to create height, which then cascades into a tapestry interwoven with colours and textures. All herbs are used for culinary purposes, but they also serve as a refuge for pollinators in London.

Some of the more unusual herbs that you can find in Riverstone's Kitchen Herb Garden are:

Jekka's design of Riverstone's herb garden

Jekka's Riverstone Kitchen Herb Garden Planting Plan

The full planting list for Riverstone’s kitchen herb gardens (linked to Jekkapedia).

Jekka's Riverstone Kitchen Herb Garden

Do you want to know more about?

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 herbal experiences. (See our event calendar).

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

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 Looking good list for the availability of herbs and then use our Webform to send us your list ([email protected]). There is no longer a mail order service available for our plants. However, we occasionally offer Jekka’s Culinary Herb Boxes.

Visit their website to learn more about Riverstone, their restaurant, and Jekka’s culinary kitchen herb gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should You Use Herbs and Spices for Brain Health?

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to improve brain health. Research shows that these natural remedies may help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's. Some herbs may even boost memory.

However, no scientific evidence proves that eating an herb-rich diet can keep your mind sharp. When it comes to improving cognitive function, there are more effective ways to do it.

One study found that older adults who took 1000 mg of vitamin B6 daily had fewer mental lapses than those taking placebo pills. Another study showed that drinking coffee could increase blood flow to the brain. Other studies suggest that exercise, socialization, and sleep improve brain health.

The bottom line is that herbs and spices probably won't make much difference to your overall health. But they might give you extra energy and focus, which can come in handy during the day.

How do you make medicinal herbs?

There are many different methods to make herbs into medicinal products. The most common method is to dry the herbs in a warm, dark location before grinding them into a powder or extracting their essential oils. This can be accomplished by hanging herbs upside down in bunches, laying herbs on a drying screen, or using a food dehydrator.

Once dried and ground, herbs can be stored in airtight containers for future use. Other herbs may require special preparation, such as infusing herbs into oil or vinegar, making tinctures with alcohol, or distilling herbs to create essential oils.

Learning the correct techniques for preparing herbs can help ensure that they retain their medicinal properties and potency for optimal health benefits. Using fresh herbs is usually best, but herbs can also be grown in a pot or garden and harvested when they are mature. Herbs can be purchased at health food stores, online retailers, and specialty shops.

No matter where herbs come from, the preparation techniques remain the same; drying herbs in a warm location followed by grinding or extracting the essential oils. You can make your medicinal herbs with the right herbs and preparation techniques.

When making herbal preparations, it is essential to remember that herbs can vary in potency, so always dilute herbs before use or follow the directions on any product label. Additionally, herbs are best used fresh, as many of their beneficial components degrade over time.

Following safety guidelines and paying attention to the potency of herbs can help ensure that you get the most benefit from your herbs. With a bit of practice and preparation, anyone can make therapeutic herbs with medicinal properties. Remember that herbs should never replace any medical advice or treatments prescribed by a doctor. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally.

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.

Which spices from the kitchen are used to cure diseases?

There are more than 4000 medicinal plants that are widely distributed throughout the world. Some of these plants contain active compounds that may help treat various ailments.

In India alone, there are more than 1000 species of herbs that are used for medical purposes. This includes Ayurvedic medicine, Unani medicine, Siddha medicine, Homeopathic medicine, and Chinese medicine.

The most common ingredient found in these medicines is ginger. Ginger contains volatile oils that give it its aromatic flavor. These oils contain anti-inflammatory properties that make them useful against arthritis, fever, vomiting, and indigestion.

Ginger also helps relieve nausea and stomach cramps caused due to pregnancy. Pregnant women often consume ginger tea to reduce morning sickness. Ginger is also commonly used for cough and cold relief.

Another spice that is known to have medicinal value is turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin which has been shown to inhibit tumor growth. This makes it an effective cancer treatment.

Turmeric is also considered to be very beneficial for joint health. It relieves inflammation and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also believed to prevent osteoporosis.

Garlic, too, is another herb that is extensively used in traditional medicine. Its healing qualities include treating infections, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes and even reducing cholesterol levels. Garlic oil is also used to treat wounds and insect bites.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic that fights bacteria and viruses. The antibacterial property makes it ideal for treating respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

It is also helpful in preventing urinary tract infections.

Other spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cayenne, mustard seeds, fennel, and coriander are also used to treat different illnesses.

How to make herbal remedies at home?

Making herbal remedies at home is easy. All you need is fresh herbs, water, salt, and sugar. You can use any herb, depending on what you want to create.

For example, choose mint, basil, chamomile, or lemon balm to make a soothing tea. If you want to make a cooling drink, try rosemary, thyme, lavender, or eucalyptus.

All you need to do is put all the ingredients into a pot and boil them until they become soft. Strain out the herbs and serve hot.

Add honey to the boiling mixture to make a tonic drink. Honey is a preservative and will keep your herbal remedy fresh for longer.

You can also combine two or three herbs to make a more potent brew. For instance, you could mix equal parts of garlic and ginger to make a powerful antiseptic. Or you can combine equal amounts of turmeric and ginger to make a potent immune booster.

Soak a clean cloth in warm water and place it over the affected area to make a compress. Leave it for 10 minutes before removing it. Do this every day until the swelling goes down.

Make sure you consult your doctor first before using herbal remedies. Some plants may interact negatively with other medications. Also, don't take large quantities of herbs because they can cause side effects.

Statistics

• Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)
• 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

[TAG29]

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

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• Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Ginkgo Biloba for Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - IOS Press

[TAG33]

• Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents - PubMed


• Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant - PMC

[TAG36]

• Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices - PubMed


• Use of echinacea in medicine - PubMed

How To

How do I know if my herbs have been treated with pesticides?

If you see a pesticide label on your herbs, the plants were sprayed with chemicals before being sold to you.

These chemicals harm human health and could cause cancer or other serious illnesses.

Unfortunately, this practice has become common around the globe. Many countries allow farmers to spray their crops with pesticides without proper regulation.

In order not to harm themselves, consumers should always ask about the source of their produce. If it comes from a farmer near you, it’s safe to assume it was not treated with pesticides.

However, there are still ways to ensure that your herbs are free from harmful chemicals.

However, if you want to ensure that your herbs aren’t contaminated, you can purchase organic herbs directly from the farm.

This way, you won’t need to worry about the safety of your herbs. You can trust that they weren’t exposed to harmful chemicals.

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