One of the main goals in building an herb spiral is to allow for different mirco-climates to be established in a stratifying method. Besides looking beautiful, the mounded spiral helps establish a north, south, east and west boundry for herbs and divides dry from moist in terms of the height of the mound.
Generally speaking, the south side will be the one to recieve the most sunlight throughout the day -- as long as shadows from other plants, trees or geographic features don't impede on this trend.
There are many ways of organizing/building your spiral, most all feature stone or rock to help with the heating (as thermal sink), directional water flow and stratification of microclimates. Some have the full spiral designed of rock, others are only terraced with rock. I have only now stumbled upon the option of a small pond at the end, this is a prime habitat and opens a new door (for me) to a world of possibilities not dreamt of before -- watercress, lotus, cranberries?!?! There are many more water tolerant novelties to test out if this becomes your design!
Shade/moist soil preferring herbs: (North/East planting)
- Chives
- Lemon Balm
- Mint
- Parsley
- Meadowsweet
- Chervil
- Cilantro
- Thyme
- Tarragon
- Anise
Sun loving/drier soil herbs: (South/West planting)
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Yarrow
- Fennel
- Dill
- Basil
- Mullein
- Borage
- Echinacea
- Lavender
Be sure to assertain if the pant is a perennial, annual or biennial. This can help you be sure if the location is right in terms of not being able to plant something else the year after if the plant is a perennial, etc.
The further up the herb spiral goes the drier (theoretically) the soil should be, and the inverse for the portions lower to the ground. This can depend on what soil medium you use, or which is available to you on your land. Along with your personal preference, knowledge of your own land, a compass and a day or two of work and you can have your own herb spiral for the endless seasoning up of your own home-made dishes, with every herb in one convenient location!
Do you already have an herb spiral? Do you have something to add to the community knowledge? Don't be shy!
(Photos do not belong to me/are not mine, only for educational purposes)
Sources:
https://themicrogardener.com/15-benefits-of-a-herb-spiral-in-your-garden/
Thanks for reading and following!