Gardening: A sensory garden in a cartwheel | Southsea Green

My own contribution, grown in my home garden, was sempervivums, commonly known as house leeks. They are hardy succulent perennials.

Their other pet name is hen and chicks as new roots sprout and cling to the mother plant.

Tight leaves form as a rosette and contain a malic acid which can be used as medicine with the juice. When applied directly to the skin it can be used for burns, ulcers, itchy skin and insect bites. It is a diuretic and astringent. The bruised leaves when applied to the forehead and temples is said to help sleep.

Consultation with Wendy Budd, of the Albert Road Herbal Apothecary, is in progress as an adviser for more such suitable plants to grow.