HOME REMEDY: Medicinal garden

Last week in homage to Chelsea I started on the topic of how to start your own medicinal garden, which I think sounds rather grand. But in reality it can be as simple as a tub on a balcony or windowsill if you are short of space. Last week I suggested a good combination of a central lemon verbena small shrub with chamomile trailing under, as both like the sun and both make delicious tea.

Now if you have a shady spot, the low woodland plant sweet woodruff is ideal for ground cover, but watch out as it spreads via its roots. Its leaves can be picked and when dry they give off a wonderful fresh smell of dried hay and gentle almonds, making a perfect potpourri for linen cupboards. Then as a medium height plant the pretty feverfew is under 2ft tall and with its ragged leaves and daisy-like flowers, thrives in most conditions. Its leaves are known to help with migraines.

Then for your tall plant to tower above, I love teasel, with its thistle-like seed heads that look good in winter too, and its root being good for several medicinal uses.

Sof McVeigh: www.thehomemadecompany.com