Contained in this charming quarter-acre garden are 13 theme gardens and a quaint herb cottage. The Knot Garden, located in the center of the garden, is raised 16 inches above ground level. Four L-shaped beds rise 30 inches above ground level in brick-enclosed walls, providing excellent drainage for plants and making the beds accessible to persons in wheel chairs and those with special needs. Some themed areas include: Culinary, Medicinal, Dye, and Fragrance.
Other beds, also raised above ground level, include a Butterfly Garden, Biblical Garden, Tea plants, and Heart Healthy plants. A circular bed is planted as a large Tussie Mussie or “talking bouquet.” A Tussie Mussie is a circular nosegay whose fragrant herbs and flowers carry a message in the language of flowers – love, condolence, good luck, or a variety of other sentiments. The long Children’s bed beside the vine-covered entrance pergola features plants to delight children’s imaginations and teach them to have fun in the garden as they explore.
Shakespeare’s bust in the Herb Garden
The Herb Garden also featured an Analematic sundial that is appropriately placed in a bed of thyme. As you stand on the appropriate month stone on a sunny day, your body will cast a shadow on the current hour stone encircling the bed.
The rich and colorful history of herbs comes alive to the visitors as they enjoy and learn about the many uses of herbs, both past and present.
The Herb Garden is maintained by members of the Huntsville Herb Society.