Oregano

(Origanum vulgare)
Oregano is a small woody perennial ground cover native to the Mediterranean and closely related to Marjoram. There are many varieties of Oregano, including Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) and golden Oregano (Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’). It grows from 20-80cm and has white or pink flowers in summer.

Uses
In the garden, oregano makes a lovely low border. It attracts beneficial insects like lacewings – that feed on the nectar in summer. It can be grown in a rockery, as part of a mixed border or in pots.

In the kitchen, it is used in Italian, Mexican, Turkish and Greek cuisines to season sauces, meats, chicken, salads and seafood. Not as sweet as Marjoram, Dried oregano is considered tastier than fresh. Harvest in the warm weather to dry for use later.

Plant Oregano into well-drained soil in full sun to part shade, however flavour is best when grown in full sun. Oregano does not need too much water. Once Oregano has finished flowering, prune off the spent flower heads to keep the shrub low and to prevent the plant from becoming woody.