[hafod]

Hi, I'm looking to get some established herb plants with biting insect repellent properties - wormwood, tansy etc. I can't find anything in local garden centres and nurseries - I've found a few on-line retailers that stock what I'm after but wondered if any of you had any recommendations?
Thank you

[Somewhere_by_the_river]

Hi Hafod, do you have a particular purpose in mind (may sound like a silly question but it would help to know ultimate use - for people of animals for example?). Some of the simple things like basil, lemon balm and even rosemary are pretty good, as is lavender and, of course, citronella. It depends if you want the plants to do the job themselves, or are planning on making something with them. I don't think I'd grow tansy again myself, unless it was for use with animals as I personally don't like the smell.

[hafod]

We have a shepherds hut as self catering accommodation in one of our fields. I would like have some planters round the hut full of things that help keep the pesky midges at bay!!

[Somewhere_by_the_river]

That sounds lovely Hafod and very considerate of you. I'd give citronella grass a go if you are feeling adventurous, but the best thing you could do is go dual purpose with some edible and decorative herbs. Plant lavender and rosemary, they will both look good and be useful. Lemon balm would be another good one, especially if you are growing it in a planter (it spreads like no-body's business so make sure you trim back before it goes to seed); you can also crush the leaves directly onto your skin as a natural deterrent - though it might be worth a few notes of caution included in their use for inside the hut itself as a bit of a disclaimer on that last, just in case of any random allergies.

[HesterF]

I bought some Tansy the other day in our local garden centre. It's part of a chain so nothing very fancy or sophisticated. It is very seasonal though. At the moment they have a great range of herbs, other times of year very poor. Might be worth a look again? Or if you have an independent they might even be able to order it in for you?

[HesterF]

Just realised, I lied. My tansy didn't come from my local bog standard garden centre but a quite local nursery that I was buying clover seed from and ended up browsing for more. They do post stuff so worth a try:

http://www.victoriananursery.co.uk/

Organic and a really interesting range of plants (some of my fruit trees came from them too although the majority came from a specialist fruit tree supplier)

H

[Treud na Mara]

Another to try, used by gamekeepers and stalkers, as sprigs in their hats, is bog myrtle.  We got ours from Poyntzfield Herb Nursery on the Black Isle. They don't do online ordering but you can call them and they can tell you what they have available. They have a fantastic range and are fascinating to visit if you are ever in the area. They would definitely be able to advise you on suitable plants.

[Lesley Silvester]

http://www.victoriananursery.co.uk/

Organic and a really interesting range of plants (some of my fruit trees came from them too although the majority came from a specialist fruit tree supplier)

H

I wish you hadn't put this link. I've just had a quick look and bought myself a greengage tree. Do you think OH will believe I did it by accident?