Herb-Garden Creations

Culinary Herbs

• You can grow culinary herbs indoors or outdoors. Kitchen windowsills or back patios and yards are popular spots to create these herb gardens, as the cook must have easy access to them. It is also important for herbs to be planted in the appropriate amount of sun and irrigation. The culinary herb garden is best planted in a container, rather than among landscaped plants, as using the herbs leaves holes in an ornamental garden.

  A culinary herb garden consists of strong flavors and varying quantities consistent with one's cooking needs. Create a classic herb garden with parsley, generally used as a garnish, and planted in greater quantity than strong-flavored herbs. Plant herbs according to shape and size. For instance, place tall-growing herbs, such as chives in the back for height, with sage and coriander spilling over the corners or edges, and mint, basil and rosemary throughout the center.

Medicinal Herbs

• Medicinal or apothecary herbs make a garden useful and attractive. Common herbs used for healing should also be planted in a convenient place for pruning. Common herbs used for healing purposes and solving everyday physical problems include lavender for relaxation, rosemary for hair health, chamomile for sleep and rest, fennel for digestion and feverfew for headaches. Calendula, or marigolds, have healing qualities and a deep-orange hue, for a burst of color throughout the herb garden.

Aromatic Garden

• Create an aromatic herb garden for the sheer pleasure of smelling it whenever you pass by. Whether planted in the yard or indoors in a container, place herbs in an area where people can enjoy its scents. Visually pleasing and functional, the scented herb garden contains a mixture of culinary and medicinal herbs such as lavender, various mints, fennel and marigold. Planting variegated pelargonium adds to the variety, as this plant comes in various sizes, shapes, colors and scents. Aromatic herb gardens make great potpourri once dried.

Tips

• Refer to the herb seed or plant packaging for proper sun and watering instructions. Harvest your herb gardens often, as the more they are pruned, the fuller they grow. Consult a doctor before using herbs for medicinal purposes or ingesting. Grow herbs organically and use insecticidal soaps for ridding the plants of pests. Dry herbs by tying them together and hanging them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area and store the finished product in airtight containers.