The sprig picture

The hotter days of summer can heighten the wonderful aromatic effects of some plants. As gardeners, when we think of the Mediterranean it's often mixed up with ideas of lavender and rosemary.

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If we consider further afield, like the souks of Marrakech, it's the refreshing hit of peppermint brewed in water with added sugar, making a delicious cooling tea.

All of these plants come under the bracket of herbs and they have a versatility second to none in the plant world. In times past and today we have sought and sourced remedies for our ailments from herbs. Their use as an ingredient is extensive, from adding a layer of flavour to our food and making herbal teas to jazzing up cocktails.

In the garden, they attract beneficial insects and pollinators and may act as companion plants to vegetables to ward off pests.