A chamomile lawn remains a delight to us all, especially at this time of the year when it’s in flower.  Well worth attempting at home provided you have full sun and good quality soil.

We created a perennial lawn of Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile / Anthemis nobile) that has medicinal properties similar to the annual, as well as the somewhat better known German chamomile (Matricaria reticulata). The former’s flowers are slightly more astringent compared to German chamomile. About five blossoms to a cup will soothe you as a sedative, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory aid.

Chamomile Lawn at Babylonstoren in Flower

Here’s how we did it: Prepared our soil as for an ordinary lawn, adding compost and chicken manure, as well as a dash of bone meal with a layer of lawn dressing on top to allow levelling. The plants were propagated as plugs by Bridget Kitley. These were planted as tightly as possible (about 15cm) to close out weeding until they are properly knitted into a lawn.

Chamomile Lawn at Babylonstoren

House-tame husbands will be happy to hear that a chamomile lawn is low maintenance, only needing one mowing after the flowers have bloomed. Weeding is required a few times a year, and watering would be the same as for ordinary grass.

A relaxing barefoot walk on the chamomile lawn is part our daily garden tours. For bookings and enquiries please phone  (021) 863 3852 or email [email protected].