An herb spiral is a raised garden bed that is both beautiful and functional. It is perfect for food gardens with small spaces, but can also be tucked into ornamental landscaping to deliver fresh herbs to the kitchen. Like other types of raised beds, spiral gardens are low maintenance spaces and their unique shape allows the gardener to plant both sun and shade loving herbs in the same bed. Fascinated? Keep reading to learn more about building and gardening in a spiral herb garden.
What is a herbal spiral?
An herb spiral is a raised garden built in the shape of a spiral. It is higher in the middle and circles down to ground level. It can be made from a variety of materials such as stone or wood, offering different growing conditions in the same bed. Herb spirals are popular in permaculture design and constructed from materials found on site. You can make a spiral herb garden as large as you like, but most are about six feet in diameter and two to three feet tall.
There are many benefits to growing herbs in a spiral garden. Firstly, the unique ball shape of the bed means it is higher in the middle. This results in excellent drainage which is important for many types of herbs, especially those from the Mediterranean region.
The raised shape of a spiral herb garden also means that there are areas of the bed that get full sun and areas that are a little more shaded. This mix of microclimates means you can grow both sun-loving and shade-tolerant herbs in a single garden. Basil and oregano are suitable for full sun, while coriander and parsley can grow in less light.
This is also a project suitable for a gardener who, like me, does not have professional construction skills. It’s a great weekend project and uses readily available materials. Finally, I think a spiral herb garden is a beautiful landscape feature. It’s attractive, functional and an efficient way to grow an assortment of herbs in a relatively small space.
This beautiful herb spiral is made from 3-inch eastern white cedar logs by The Backyard Urban Farm Company. Other common materials for herb spiral gardens include rocks, landscape stones, and bricks. (Photos courtesy of The Backyard Urban Farm Company)
The best place for a spiral garden
Before you break ground on a spiral garden, take a look around your property to find the right spot. It should offer at least six hours of direct sun each day and be located near the kitchen, especially if you plan to grow culinary herbs. Even ground is also useful, especially when building the garden.