066-915 0530 || 
These two popular herbs are often wrongly identified. They both exhibit delicate lace like foliage and are extremely pretty plants: Behind this facade, however, are two very different herbs.
Foeniculum vulgare aka Fennel is a true perennial lasting many years and reseeding fervently all over the garden. If you want to curb this chaotic behaviour remove the yellow flowers before they seed or better still use all these plant parts in cooking. Fennel has a distinct anniseed flavour making it a valuable kitchen herb. It is also a drink I gave my children when they were little to help curb colic and they loved it.
Young plants can be purchased from March to the end of July as it is important to get them established before winter. Do not mistake it for the vegetable florence fennel which has similar foliage and flavour but is really prized for it’s white bulbous base.
My favourite variety of fennel is ‘Purpureum’which has eye catching bronze foliage which creates a startling contrast against its umbels of yellow flowers. It forms a dense ornamental bush about 4 feet in height and makes a lovely border plant. Here in Kerry this bronze version grows just as abundantly as the green and can be used in exactly the same way as green fennel. It dies down completely in winter. The dead stems should be cut down to ground level in early spring and a top dressing of rich compost and fertiliser applied. It will emerge in full force from April onwards. It seems to handle our rain saturated soils well but likes an open sunny spot. It is definitely one of the herbs that I would recommend for a beginner.
Anthum graveolens aka Dill is an annual herb so you can only relish it for one summer season. It does not reseed or transplant well so sowing it in situ (directly into the soil) is the only method which I have found successful. It has a subtle yet delicious unique flavour which greatly compliments fish and eggs. It thrives best in a well drained soil so the addition of sand to heavy soils is a good option. I am trying the dwarf variety ‘Mariska’ this year so patiently await its outcome.
Herb plants now on sale at Foxy John’s Dingle, Keanes Lispole, O Donnells Annascaul, Londis Camp, Miltown Organic Store.
Greta’s Radio Interview on herbs can be heard on www.soundcloud food and drink Limerick 102fm broadcast 29th April.
Herb nursery in Annascaul can be visited by appointment only.
Phone Greta 086 3169716 www.gretasherbs.com email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
