Types of Herb Gardens

Culinary Herb Garden

• Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme are part of the culinary herbs. A garden with these, along with oregano, basil, dill, marjoram, mint, chives and cilantro, will enable the gardener to blend and match fresh and dried herbs to make many standard and regional meals.

Aromatic Herb Garden

• Perfumes, bath waters and sachets are made from aromatic herbs. Tucked away in a linen closet, dried lavender, lemon balm or even mint will help keep clothes fresh smelling with remembrances of spring. Walking through an aromatic herb garden brings many different scents at different times of the season as each plant matures and flowers.

Medicinal Herb Garden

• Tradition home cures use many garden herbs. Although some do have mild curative abilities, it is always best to check with your doctor before consuming herbs to make you feel better. A medicinal herb garden should be approached carefully and with knowledge. According to folklore, teas made from chamomile induce sleep, while peppermint tea helps digestion. Lemon balm gives energy and restores memory loss.

Growing Herbs

• Planning an herb garden requires knowing which plants are annual, biennial and perennial. Coriander and dill are examples of annuals, but if allowed to go to seed will reseed themselves. Biennials, such as caraway and parsley, extend over two seasons. Most culinary herbs are perennials. Bay, fennel, tarragon and savory all are bushy plants that survive winter and re-bloom in the spring.