Herbs

Herbs have been used for seasoning, medicine, fragrance, and sorcery for thousands of years. Tarragon, rosemary, and thyme are among the most ancient of seasonings, yet there are few culinary achievements that can top good poultry roasted with these three herbs.

Most herbs can be grown successfully with a minimum of effort. Several are drought-tolerant, some are perennials, and many are resistant to insects and diseases. They are versatile plants, providing flavors for seasoning food and fragrances for room-freshening potpourri. And with their enticing scents, diverse textures, attractive shapes, and countless shades of green and gray, herbs are often used to make a landscape that appeals to the senses of touch and smell as well as sight.

The classic use for herbs in the landscape is the formal garden. Many intricate designs have been drawn and planted using the beauty of herb plants to enhance the pattern of the garden; diamonds, compasses, and knots are among the most popular designs. The knot garden is especially intriguing; herbs with various textures and colors are planted carefully and trimmed neatly to create the appearance of ropes looping over and under each other. The effect is striking, especially when viewed from an upper-story window. Theme gardens are also popular. There are Biblical gardens, scent gardens, tea gardens, witch's gardens, kitchen gardens, and apothecary gardens, to name a few.

Annuals

Basils
Ocimum spp. 20-24" 12" Grow from seed.Sun. Use in anything with tomatoes.

Borage
Borago officinalis 24" 12" Grow from seed, self-sowing. Dry, sunny areas. Young leaves in salads for cucumber flavor.

Chervil
Anthriscus cerefolium 10" 3-6" Sow in early spring. Partial shade Aromatic leaves used in soups and salads.

Coriander
Coriandrum sativum 24" 18" Seed. sown in spring in sun or partial shade Seed used in confections, leaves in salad, oriental and eastern food.

Dill
Anethum graveolens 24-36" 12" Seed sown in early spring in sun or partial shade Feathery foliage and seeds used in flavoring and pickling

Parsley
Petroselinum spp. 6" 6" Grow from seed. Slow to germinate. Sun. Biennial. Brings out flavors of other herbs. High in vitamin C.

Perrenials

Catnip
Nepeta cataria 3-4' 18" Hardy; sun or shade. Seed or division. Leaves for soothing tea.

Chives,
Garlic Chives
Allium spp. 12" 12" Little care. Divide when overcrowded. Seed or division Good indoor pot plant. Cut long strands at base.

French Tarragon
Artemesia dracunulus 24" 24" Sun or semi-shade. Grow from cuttings or division. Aromatic; great with fish or chicken.

Lavender
Lavendula spp. 24" 18" Propagate from cuttings. Grows in dry, rocky, sunny locations. High lime soil. Use for sachets, potpourri.

Lemon Verbena
Aloysia triphylla 36" 36" Tender perennial; propagate from cuttings. Sun or partial shade. Strong lemon scent. Used in teas or in potpourri.

Lovage
Levisticum officinale 3-4' 30" Rich, moist soil. Grow from seed. Sun or partial shade. Strong celery flavor; planted in late summer.

Mints
Mentha spp. 1-3' 18" Grow from cuttings or division. Sun or partial shade. Aromatic; used as flavoring. Unusual varieties include orange, blue balsam, ginger, chocolate.

Oregano
Origanum spp. 24" 9" Grow from seed, cuttings, or division. Sun. Flavoring for tomato/pasta dishes.

Rosemary
Rosmarinus spp. 3-6' 12" Grows in well-drained nonacid soil from cuttings. Sun. Marginally hardy; plant in protected site. Leaves flavor sauces, poultry, soups. Good for meats, rice. Grown as topiary, and bonsai.

Sage
Salvia spp. 18" 12" From seed or cuttings. Sun. Renew every 3-4 years. Seasoning for meats, especially pork;herb teas.

Thyme
Thymus spp. 8-12" 12" Light soil, well-drained. Renew every 2-3 years. Cutting or division. Sun. Aromatic foliage for seasoning. Varieties include lemon, orange, and wooly.