Author: Jane Wrigglesworth | Naturopath & Medical Herbalist
There is a unique kind of magic that happens when you put your hands in the soil. Gardening has been a constant in my life since I was a child; it’s a passion that grew alongside me and eventually blossomed into my career as a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my love for plants as the herb columnist for NZ Gardener magazine and editing their special editions. But for me, plants have never been just about aesthetics. While I adore my rambling rose, Souvenir de Madame Leonie Viennot, which graces my Auckland garden with blooms nearly year-round—my true heart lies in plants that work for us.
For those of us in our golden years, gardening is more than a hobby; it’s a way to stay connected to the rhythms of nature and take an active role in our own health.
Why Herbs are the Perfect Starting Point
If you are looking to reconnect with your garden this season, I always suggest starting with herbs. They are practical, generous, and often far hardier than people expect.
You don’t need a sprawling backyard to reap the benefits. A few pots by the kitchen door can provide a "living pharmacy" and a gourmet pantry right at your fingertips.
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Parsley: Don't just use it as a garnish! It is a powerhouse of iron and Vitamin C.
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Rosemary: A hardy sprig is perfect for your roast lamb and is traditionally used to support memory and focus.
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Chamomile: Growing your own flowers for a calming cup of evening tea is incredibly rewarding.
The "Sugar Herb" Secret: Stevia
If you are looking to manage your blood sugar or reduce your sugar intake, a common goal for many of my clients, I highly recommend a pot of Stevia, often called the "sugar herb."
Stevia extract can be 200–400 times sweeter than sugar, but without the glucose spike.
My Kitchen Tip: I often use Stevia in my homemade chutneys. I substitute 1 cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of dried, powdered Stevia leaves. While some find the aftertaste of Stevia strong, the vinegar in chutney masks it perfectly, giving you all the sweetness without the sugar load.
How to Get More from Your Supermarket Herbs
We’ve all bought those lush-looking herb pots from the supermarket, only to have them wilt a week later. Here is my "insider secret" to making them last:
Most supermarket pots (like basil or thyme) actually contain dozens of tiny seedlings crowded together. They are competing for nutrients and gasping for air!
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Divide and Conquer: Gently tip the plant out and tease the roots apart.
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Repot: Replant them into several smaller, separate pots with fresh potting mix.
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Acclimatise: These plants are raised in "pampered" greenhouse conditions. Don’t rush them outside! Treat them kindly by keeping them in a warm, bright spot like a sunny windowsill until they find their feet.
Stretching the Season: Growing Basil from Cuttings
As we move through the year, you can easily multiply your basil plants through cuttings. Simply take a sprig, remove the lower leaves, and place the stem in a glass of water.
Within a week or two, you’ll see white roots forming. You can keep them in the water or pot them up. Just remember: Basil is a sun-lover. If the temperature drops below 5°C, it will turn to mush. Keep it indoors or in a very sheltered spot to keep the harvest going.
Final Thoughts from the Garden
Gardening doesn’t need to be complicated to be deeply rewarding. Whether it's the nutritional boost of fresh parsley or the simple joy of watching a cutting take root, these small acts of cultivation nourish both the body and the soul.
Here's a few photos from my garden:
What’s growing on your windowsill this month?
Need more gardening tips? Contact us and Jane will be in touch!
