Tucked away at the south end of Lakeside Garden is the newest community project – a culinary herb garden. This garden grew from an idea proposed by a member at our 2024 fall harvest celebration, and with willing hands and hard work, the space has been transformed. 

The plan is based on a traditional quadrant design, a symmetrical layout with a circular central bed, four larger beds at each corner, an outer bed ringing the space and concentric paths within. Preparation involved planning on paper, then measuring and marking all beds and paths with stakes and string. The beds are raised to promote good drainage, and most areas are in the full sun, needed by many herbs to thrive. This year was focused on establishing the shape of the gardens and the permanent pathways.

As with other areas at Lakeside, the volunteer team battled a profusion of Canada Thistle, tending the beds weekly to remove emerging plants (by chopping them at the base). A small patch of perennial bindweed is being covered with a thick tarp to reduce further spread of this aggressive invader. 

At the centre of the space is a beautiful Eastern Redbud with its lovely spring display of pink flowers. The edges of the garden include shrubs such as haskaps which help to define the borders.

The rest of the plantings are a mixture of perennial and annual herbs whose primary use is in the kitchen, although some may also have medicinal uses. Wander around to identify common herbs – parsley, basil, oregano, sage, thyme as well as those you have yet to become familiar with – sorrel, bronze fennel, lovage and more!

This was a successful first year for the herb garden thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers and to garden members who donated plants to get things started. Plans for next season include ordering some less common culinary perennial shrubs and plants and the creation of informational plant labels so that visitors can learn to identify and use these tasty additions to the kitchen.