LandScape Craft and Cookery Special

MATERIALS
• General purpose compost
• Sharp sand
• Chamomile seeds
• Patio weeder
• Trowel
• Broom
PREPARING THE TERRACE
WITH ITS DAISY-LIKE flowers,
feathery leaves and sweet
fragrance, chamomile is a welcome
addition to the summer garden.
Chamaemelum nobile, also known as Roman
or English chamomile, is a low-growing,
spreading variety, which is ideal for planting
between paving slabs on a sunny terrace. It
grows best in partial shade, but will also thrive
in full sun, in well-drained soil, retaining its
luxuriant green colour.
A chamomile terrace not only looks very
attractive, but releases a pleasant apple blossom
scent when it is walked on. It is easy to
maintain, and requires watering only during
prolonged drought.
In addition to beauty and fragrance, the
terrace also has the added benefit of providing
chamomile flowers for fragrant tea and other
culinary applications.
1.
Step 1: Chamomile does not compete well with too many
weeds, so it is important that they are removed. This is done
using a patio weeder to dig between the paving stones. As
much soil as possible should also be removed.
Step 3: Chamomile seed is very fine, so mixing it with dry sand is
advised. This mix is then sprinkled finely, working systematically
along the cracks. Chamomile needs light to germinate, so the
seed mix should not be buried or laid too thickly.
2.
Step 2: Using a trowel, equal quantities of sharp sand and compost are mixed together
in a wheelbarrow.The compost mix is gently tipped onto the paving. Using a broom,
the mix is brushed into the gaps between the slabs. Once in place, the mix is lightly
watered. It should sit just below the level of the paving stone edges.
A FRAGRANT TERRACE
Forming a soft carpet between paving stones, delicate, sweetly-scented
chamomile is easy to plant and maintain on a garden patio
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3.
MAINTENANCE The first signs of germination should
be noticeable within a few days, and it is important not to let the
area dry out too much while the seedlings are becoming
established. The plants will quickly spread to create a mat-like
covering, and the action of walking on them and crushing stems
into the ground promotes this process. Maintenance is minimal
and comprises lifting perennial weeds and cutting back old
flowering stems to promote thick, mossy growth.
▯ Project: Sue Martin ▯ Photography: Richard Faulks