Rosemary

Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Rosemary thrives on neglect and resents rich, fertile ground or waterlogging. A south-facing wall provides the warmth it craves. Do not improve the soil with compost — poor soil produces more aromatic foliage. Water only during the first summer after planting, then leave it alone. Established plants are very drought-tolerant. Do not feed — excess nitrogen reduces the essential oil content. In exposed or northern gardens, grow in a large terracotta pot with gritty, loam-based compost and provide winter protection by moving against a house wall. Rosemary makes an attractive informal hedge if plants are spaced 45-60 cm apart. Harvest sprigs year-round, cutting from the current season's growth.

Prune lightly after flowering in late spring. Cut back new growth by up to one third to keep the plant compact and bushy. Never cut into old, bare wood — rosemary rarely regenerates from hard pruning. Replace leggy plants every 5-7 years.