On this International Mother Earth Day, we pay homage to her beauty by creating an aromatic spiral at Jardin d'Aimée , the association founded by Valérie Demars, perfumer of the natural fragrances Aimée de Mars. The spiral is a sacred symbol of nature, manifesting itself through the flow of runoff, pine cones, snail shells, and even our fingerprints. In permaculture, it is a source of inspiration.
What are the advantages of an aromatic spiral?
The spiral layout in an organic garden is an innovative method for optimizing garden orientation and drainage. This shape allows for varying areas of shade and light throughout the day, creating dry, sunny habitats in the upper section and moist areas in the lower section.
This method is based on dividing the spiral into zones with different climates, thus providing shaded or sunny conditions suited to the plants' needs. From the beginning to the end of the spiral, different types of biotopes are found, thanks to the transition between dry and humid habitats. This spiral layout also makes it possible to plant a wide variety of herbs in a small space.
By cultivating a herb spiral, we create an ecosystem conducive to biodiversity and pollinators. Indeed, the spiral creates ecological niches for insects and birds, which can find shelter and food there.
By cultivating a wide variety of herbs in this spiral, we also provide a food source for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. These contribute to plant pollination, which is essential for the reproduction of plant species.
In short, growing a spiral herb is a simple yet effective way to contribute to the preservation of nature's wonders by creating a balanced environment that promotes biodiversity.
The steps in constructing an aromatic spiral
1. Choosing the location and delimitation
Choosing the right location is crucial for the project's success. We oriented the herb spiral towards the south, placing the lower end of the spiral there. We selected a wide-open space that receives optimal sunlight throughout the day to promote the growth of our herbs.
To guide us later in arranging each variety of plant, we positioned the bricks vertically according to the cardinal points: North, South, West and East.
2. Construction of the borders
Building the borders is a crucial and time-consuming step in creating a sustainable herb spiral. We chose stone borders to allow for better plant establishment and create a habitat that supports biodiversity. The stones also retain the heat absorbed during the day, reducing temperature fluctuations that could damage delicate plants. We use the dry stone method to assemble the stones, creating small crevices for wildlife to shelter in.
As we carefully built the wall, we had the idea of incorporating a small refuge for our four-legged friends, such as hedgehogs, shrews, and field mice. We also created insect hotels using the holes in the bricks. To filter the insects, we'll insert hollow wood to make the environment even more welcoming to biodiversity. It's a lovely way to offer them a cozy and secure shelter. This initiative encourages wildlife to visit our garden and contributes to species preservation.
3. Filling the spiral
After constructing the spiral's edges, we began filling it, starting with the central section. This was filled with stones and gravel to ensure good drainage. As we continued filling the spiral, we gradually added rubble and sand, decreasing the quantities as we moved down the spiral. Finally, we added the soil.
4. Planting herbs
We used a method called mycorrhization to help our plants thrive. Mycorrhization is a symbiotic relationship between plant roots and beneficial fungi called mycorrhizae. These fungi help plant roots absorb nutrients from the soil more efficiently by attracting nutrients and promoting better water absorption. Furthermore, mycorrhization stimulates root growth and overall plant growth through positive natural hormonal effects on the roots.
To plant the herbs, we started with the species that need more sun:
- Upper part of the spiral, which is the driest: clary sage, thyme, Inca garlic, oregano, chamomile, hyssop.
- In the middle section: coriander, yarrow, parsley, bee balm, salad burnet.
- In the lower part of the spiral, where the environment is humid: mint, chives, valerian, sweet verbena.
The construction of an aromatic spiral is an excellent example of permaculture design and allows the climatic requirements of different plants to be met in a minimal space.
