Open Spaces staff are creating a herb garden in the Ashburton Domain, to give visitors an aromatic experience.

The herbs will be planted in a circular area, bounded by box hedging, near the domain’s administration building.

Infrastructure and Open Spaces Group Manager Neil McCann said the area had previously been planted in annuals and was in the shade of a very large Elm tree.

“That tree split and had to be removed, so now the whole area has a lot more light and is much more conducive to growing herbs, which is what had originally been intended back in 1984.”

Open Spaces staff unearthed the original plan, which showed herb beds in the centre of the buxus circle, and in four quadrants, and began sourcing herbs to grow there. Our garden has three sections so the plans have been amended accordingly.

“Staff have sought seed to replicate the original plans and those seedlings are pricked out and growing well in one of our glasshouses. They are now hardening off in a shade house and will be planted out soon,” Mr McCann said.

Varieties include marjoram, chives, celery, lemon balm, sages, thyme, mint and fennel, along with many others.

Visitors will be able to see and smell the herbs, which are widely grown by many people for cooking or medicinal purposes.

“We’ll be encouraging visitors to crush a leaf that will unleash the aroma of the herb and we’re thinking about how best to share other information, like how to grow herbs in your own garden and how to use them.”

A refresh for the nearby rose garden is also being planned for next year.

Below: The 1984 plan unearthed by Open Spaces staff.