Ancient Greek Herb Garden

Features

• An ancient Greek herb garden contained numerous types of herbs bisected by wide pathways. The pathways made harvesting the herbs easier. Each herb had its section in the garden; some were sowed on raised flowerbeds.

Herb Types

• Ancient Greek herb gardens contained plants like sage, calendula, lemon balm, mint, parsley, chives and thyme. Greeks believed that some herbs held certain powers; for example, they believed that dill was a sign of wealth, marjoram caused dreams and rosemary increased the memory. Ancient Greeks had a strong dislike of basil due to these superstitions.

Benefits

• Ancient Greeks planted a wide assortment of herbs for medicinal purposes. The use of herbs in powders, poultices, or ointments aided in the treatment of common ailments like colds, swelling, headaches and burns. Utilizing herbs in cooking was another reason ancient Greeks kept herb gardens. Herbs were the main ingredients of aromatherapy oils and incense.