Miniature Herbs
(Page 4 of 5)
April/May 1993
By Andy Van Hevelingen
Juxtaposing miniature and larger-scale herbs can raise some tricky design problems, but many miniatures can be attractive when standing alone. Lady’s-mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris), whose scalloped leaves capture dewdrops that sparkle like diamonds in the early morning sun, is commonly planted in herb gardens. There are several miniature forms of this herb: A. faeroensis var. pumila is the smallest I know of, but it is difficult to find. More readily available are A. glaucescens, A. alpina, and A. erythropoda. All three form neat mounds of gray-green foliage 4 to 5 inches tall—A. alpina has an eye-catching silver edging on its leaflets—and are effective planted in the flagstone patio, out of the way of direct foot traffic. A. ellenbeckii is a true ground cover that spreads quickly by continual layering. It appears to tolerate quite harsh drought conditions, but it prefers some light shade from intense summer heat. Its brilliant red stems and minute, heart-shaped leaves are quite attractive.
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The possible uses of miniature herbs are virtually unlimited, determined by local climate and the personality and interests of the gardener. Pot gardens, edgings, trough gardens, knot gardens, dollhouse gardens, and underplantings for bonsai or topiary are just a few examples. An intriguing application is in landscaping small-scale model railroads (see Herbs along the Railway, at left).
Andy Van Hevelingen operates Van Hevelingen Herb Nursery in Newberg, Oregon.
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