Herb Bed
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The herb bed runs along the top of the northern end of the sleeper wall on the west of the house next to the path around Top Pond. It is just 8 m2 in area :
Conditions are not ideal for herbs as it is shaded by the houses for much of the day and is also quite moist because of the [just] sub-surface water running down the hill from the west on top of the clay layer. The soil is quite well provided with humus from when the garden was derelict and tree leaves were continuously accumulating.
The reason that this bed is used for herbs is convenience : it is just outside the back door. Having said that, it is also seen from the west windows of both kitchen and dining room so there is a scattering of ornamentals among the herbs, primarily from the Primulaceae family.
Full details of the plants can be found in the Herb Bed plant list and the context of this area within the garden can be found on the Plan and Areas page.
