The following article, from A Garden Herbal by Anthony Gardiner, appeared in the November newsletter of the Maumee Valley (Toledo, Ohio) Herb Society.

Apart from the woody-stemmed, shrub-like herbs such as rosemary, thyme, marjoram, winter savory, hysop and so on, many herbs die down in the winter and disappear completely until the following spring. The woody herbs need protection from severe weather with a dressing of leaf mould or well composted forest bark. However, remember that these mulches should not be left around the plants for too long following spring, as otherwise they will trap too much moisture around the herbs.

It is a good idea to mark where French tarragon, chives and mint are growing, so that you are not too alarmed by the gaps they will leave during the long winter months.

In exposed areas it is essential to protect herbs from cold winds. Screening and spun coverings help, if they are put over the plants in extremely cold weather. Bay, unless it is near the warmth of the house, will need to be brought inside, although I have found bay trees in this country to be remarkably resilient, recovering their leaf if given the chance and responding to clipping again the following summer.

You are bound to experience some losses, sometimes, as a result of very damp winters. Treat this philosophically and enjoy the fruits of your summer labours with dried herbs and pot-pourri around the winter fires.

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