to plant or not to plant chamomile

Hi all!

I've recently discovered permaculture, an live in the Uk. I have always loved forests, and want to establish a forest garden

so I have mulched, using cardoard to rid the weeds, and hay and straw and well old rotted horse manure. Now for the design!! I have in mind a berry and fruit tree front garden which is south facing. I am so enthusiastic i have god on my side already! just ysterday i discovered chamomile is good for the garden and when i went out to the pub i went a different way. i had this hunch i followed and came across a beautiful woodland meadow full of chamomile!! you can imagine my pleasure as i collected some and potted it in compost ready to place it somewhere. But i have a question to you good people...

would it be ok to plant it in a forrest garden before or after i have planted the other stuffs???

thanks
fifi

Chamomile grows like a weed here and I've started planting it in some of the rows between my raised beds. Some paths have thyme some have chamomile they both seem resilient enough for the foot traffic mowing and walking releases some heady fragrances.

@ Fiona,
Is that true chamomile, or German chamomile? (Probably 'true' if you found it wild in fields.)

The reason I ask is because the 2 have different growth habits. They are not related...not even the same family.

German chamomile (often planted for its popular tea) is an upright annual, whereas true (aka Roman Chamomile) is a low growing mat-like perennial ground cover. It is often grown as a low maintenance 'lawn'. Holds up to foot traffic, and seldom needs mowing.

Both teas are similar in flavor and their 'sleepy-time' relaxation factors. Most commercial teas are of the German type, mainly because of the easier picking of an upright plant than a 'floor mat' plant. The true chamomile is the one that gained popularity and fame originally, but the German variety is easier to harvest, hence its popularity with the market growers.

Personally, I believe that the true chamomile is a little more potent...the 'real deal' rather than a 'substitute'.

Not sure which chamomile it is, but is smells great! i will see what happens over the months as it grows, and will be able to say which variety it is.

thanks guys.