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Herbs
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Small herb garden planted
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doesn't look like much now, but just wait!

I've been growing some herbs planted about in flower beds, but I yearn for an actual small herb garden.  Well, I'd love a large herb garden, but this house has a compact yard space, so small herb garden will do.  This year, 2005, I was able to get one started.  Looking forward to watching it grow.

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                        Herbs

Herbs, like vegetables, require maximum amounts of direct sunlight.  However, unlike vegetables, organic matter is not as beneficial to the herbal plant.   Excess amounts of manure or humus cause the plant to produce excess foliage which decreases the strength of it's natural oils responsible for flavor.  It is best to grow herbs in black dirt.

BASIL
(Ocimum basilicum)
Half-hardy annual.  Grows to 18"
Culinary:  Sweet with clove-like pungent tang
Medicinal:  rheumatic pain, nervous disorders.

CHAMOMILE
(chamaemilum nobile)

Perennial.  Grows 4-24"
Culinary:  Steep leaves for tea.
Medicinal:  Soothes and relaxes at bedtime

CHIVES
(Allium schoenoprasum)
Hardy perennial.  Grows in clumps to 10" tall.
Culinary:  Onion-like
Medicinal:  Reduces blood pressure and cholesterol

CORIANDER
(Coriandrum sativum)
Annual.  Grows to about 2 feet.
Medicinal:  Digestive ailments and colic

CURRY
(Helichryum italicum subsp. siitalicum)
Perennial.  Grows to1-2 ft.

DILL
(Anethum graveolens)
Annual.  Grows to 2-5 ft.
Culinary:  Pungent, tangy.
Medicinal:  Digestive, improves condition of hair and nails.

OREGANO
(Oreganum vulgare)
Hardy Perennial.  Grows to 2 ft.
Culinary:  Strong aromatic, with pleasantly bitter undertone.
Medicinal:  Indigestion, bloating

PARSLEY
(Petroselinum crispum)
Hardy biennial that is usually treated as an annual.
Culinary:  Relatively high in vitamin A, C, and iron.
Medicinal:  Digestive, diuretic

ROSEMARY
(Rosmarinus officnalis)
Hardy evergreen shrub perennial.  
Culinary:  Fresh, sweet.
Medicinal:  Cancer prevention properties.

SAGE
(Salvia officinalis)
Woody, hardy perennial.  Grows 2-3 ft.  Tends to sprawl.
Culinary:  Aromatic, slightly bitter.
Medicinal:  Antiseptic qualities.

SAVORY
(Satureja hortensis)
Tender annual.  Grows to 18 in.
Culinary:  Aromatic, slightly pungent.
Medicinal:  Treat sore throat.

TARRAGON
(Artemisia dracunculus)
Perennial.  Grows to 2 ft.
Seems to do best in semi-shade.
Culinary:  Flavor similar to anise.
Medicinal:  Appetite stimulant.

THYME
(Thymus vulgaris)
Perennial.  Grows to6-10 in.
Culinary:  Aromatic, pungent.
Medicinal:  Expectorant

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newly planted herb garden
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parsley, oregano, sage, chives, thyme, rosemary, lavendar, euonymos border

Harvest Herbs
 
Herbs should be harvested just before they flower. This is
when the leaves have the highest concentration of essential
oils. Some herbs, such as basil, will respond by putting out
a new flush of growth. Rather than picking off individual
leaves, harvest entire stems right back to a set of leaves.
 
Peppermint
 
Question: I have a peppermint plant and would like to know what I need to do to it to create the flavoring. Do I use the leaves or flowers?

Answer: Peppermint is a type of mint. Normally one simply uses the leaves, either fresh or dried. The leaves have the best flavor if harvested just before the plant blooms. Fresh leaves are good in iced tes, lemonade, fruit salad, cucumber salad and so on. Dried leaves can be used in Middle Eastern recipes and tea as well as in baking.

To dry, cut the mint near the base of each stem, tie the stems into bundles using rubber bands at the cut ends. Then hook the rubber bands on bent paper clips and use those as hooks to hang the bundles--hook them onto an ordinary coat hanger, for instance. Hang them in a cool, dark, dry, well ventilated spot until crispy. Then remove the leaves from the stems and store in airtight packages such as jars or zipper bags, again in a cool, dark, dry location. Make sure there is no condensation in the container--that means it is not dry enough yet.

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                  Basil
 
One of the easiest and most popular culinary herbs to grow is the common or sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum. Native to southern Asia and islands of the south Pacific, this tender annual is primarily grown for its aromatic leaves which are used fresh or dried to liven up numerous culinary dishes.
 
Like most herbs, basil requires a sunny location which receives at least 6-8 hours of bright light per day and well drained soil conditions with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
 
Propagation is easiest by sowing seeds directly into the ground where they are to be grown after danger of spring frosts. Sow evenly, covering with 1/4" of soil and keep moist and free of weeds.
 
Germination should take place within 5-7 days. Once seedlings have developed 2-3 pairs of leaves, they should be thinned or transplanted to stand 6"-12" apart. Seeds can also be sown indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside in order to get a head start on the growing season. This is especially beneficial for some of the slower germinating varieties such as 'Purple Ruffles.'
 
A 2"-3" mulch consisting of grass clippings, straw or ground up leaves will be beneficial in retaining soil moisture and minimizing weeds around the plants during the growing season.
 
Depending on the amount of regular rainfall, water deeply once every 7-10 days to insure the roots are receiving adequate moisture. Plants grown in containers will dry out faster than those in garden beds and therefore will have to be watered more frequently. Choose container with holes in the bottom for proper drainage.
 
Fertilize sparingly, using a 5-10-5 commercial fertilizer once or twice during the growing season at the rate of 3 oz. per every 10 ft. of row. Use a liquid fertilizer at one half the label recommended strength every 4-6 weeks or so for indoor plants and every 3-4 weeks for basil grown outside in containers.
 

           
Begin harvesting at any time by snipping the fresh young leaves as they are needed. If whole stems are being harvested, cut just above a pair of leaves. New growth will be encouraged at that point and should be seen within a week's time.
 
From a culinary use perspective, it is important to prune the plant periodically through the growing season to maintain succulent and productive growth. Otherwise, if basil is left alone to flower and form seed, it will become woody and harvest yields will be considerably less. However, some of the flowers do have ornamental value, especially the dark 'Opal' variety, which has pretty pink flowers, and one may choose to enjoy these for decorative purposes instead of pinching them off.
 
Since basil is a tender annual, it will not survive the winter in our region. At the end of the growing season, you may choose to dig up the plant and bring it inside for the winter. If this is the case, make sure it has plenty of bright sunlight for growing inside. Artificial lights may have to be installed and run for 10-12 hours daily if light is not adequate during the darker winter months.
 
Basil can be used fresh or dried. The clovelike aroma and flavor is a wonderful seasoning in tomato dishes, soups, sauces, poultry, fish and herb butter. Leaves can be preserved by hanging the foliage upside down in small bunches and air drying in a warm, dry, well ventilated room for a week or so.
 
Foliage can also be dried by spreading flat on a drying rack under the same conditions. Once the basil is thoroughly dried, strip the leaves from the stems and store whole or ground in an air tight container away from heat sources and bright light. If stored properly, it should keep for about a year. If any sign of moisture occurs, empty the container and repeat the drying process.
 
Freezing is another method of preserving basil. Freeze in small quantities by storing in small plastic bags or chop up the leaves into small pieces and place in ice cube tray compartments topped off with a little water. Properly frozen herbs should be used within a year.
 
The traditional Sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum, is the most popular variety used primarily for culinary purposes. But there are many other varieties offering both ornamental value and unique fragrances. Here are a few to try:
 
Spicy Globe - O. basilicum, 8"-10". Use green foliage in many dishes as well as a nice edging or border because of small, compact plant size.
 
Lettuce Leaf Basil - O. crispum, 15". Produces large, crinkled green leaves which have a sweeter flavor than other varieties. Very vigorous grower.
 
Lemon Basil - O.b. 'Citriodum', 12"-18". Fine leaved plant with distinct lemon fragrance. Use in potpourri, iced teas, salads or other dishes.
 
Opal Basil - O.b. 'Purpurescens', 12"-18". A very versatile variety that has red-purplish foliage and pink flowers. Use ornamentally in most garden settings, fresh floral arrangements or herb vinegars. O.b. purpurescens 'Minimum' is the compact variety.
 
Cinnamon Basil - Ocimum sp., 18". This variety offers dark green shiny leaves and pink flowers. The flavor and fragrance in both foliage and flowers is very spicy. Use in dried arrangements, potpourri, vinegars and jellies.
 
'Siam Queen' Thai Basil - O.b. 'Siam Queen', 24"-36". An upright, well-branched plant with flavor and fragrance distinctly different from other basils. Excellent for Asian cuisine; highly decorative with purple stems and flowers.

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Growing Herbs at Home
David H. Trinklein and Ray R. Rothenberger
Department of Horticulture
 
In a botanical sense, an herb is a plant that does not produce a woody stem and dies back to the ground each winter to a perennial root system. Herbaceous plants in the landscape and garden normally include annuals, perennials, biennials, bulbs and grasses.
 
In the garden sense, herbs are plants that serve as a major source of seasonings in the preparation of foods. In an even broader sense, herbs include those plants that are also useful for scents in cosmetics or for medicinal purposes. Some of them are woody and outstep the definition of a herbaceous plant.
 
In the gardens of American pioneers, herbs were the major source of seasonings for foods. They were also used for curing illnesses, storing with linens, strewing on floors, covering the bad taste of meats before refrigeration was devised, dyeing homespun fabrics and as fragrances.
 
With the advent of the supermarket, growing herbs in the garden declined because a wide range of dried herbs became available in stores. Now, however, with an increase in the popularity of ethnic foods, combined with a realization that fresh herbs have more distinctive tastes than some dried herbs, more gardeners are growing at least a few herbs for fresh use, drying or freezing.

General culture
 
    * Light
      Most herbs are easy to grow, but you must select the proper location to grow them. Most herbs need a sunny location, and only a few, including angelica, woodruff and sweet cicely, are better grown in partial shade. The oils, which account for the herbsą flavor, are produced in the greatest quantity when plants receive six to eight hours of full sunlight each day. If you donąt have a good, sunny location, many herbs will tolerate light shade, but their growth and quality will not be as good.
 

    * Soil
      Herbs will grow in any good garden soil. The soil should not be extremely acid or alkaline; a soil nearly neutral is best for most herbs. A pH reading between 6.5 and 7.0 produces the best herbs.

      Most herbs do not require a highly fertile soil. Highly fertile soils tend to produce excessive foliage that is poor in flavor. Herbs grow best when soils have adequate organic matter.

      In preparing average soils, incorporate 4 inches of peat moss or compost into the garden area to improve soil condition and help retain moisture.
 

    * Drainage
      When selecting a site for an herb garden, you must consider drainage. None of the important herbs grow in wet soils, but a few, such as mint, angelica and lovage, thrive in fairly moist soils.

      If the only area available is poorly drained, you need to modify the area. Build raised beds or install underground drainage tiles to grow herbs successfully.
 

    * Preparation
      Once you select a site, cultivate the soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches, then level it. If only a shallow layer of topsoil exists above hard subsoil, remove the topsoil temporarily. Break up the subsoil, adding organic matter. After improving the subsoil, put it back. Even though the topsoil may be better than the subsoil, the topsoil may also need additional organic matter.
 

    * Pests
      Few insects or diseases attack herbs. In some localities, rusts infect mints. In hot, dry weather, spider mites damage some herbs.

      Aphids attack anise, caraway, dill and fennel. Grasshoppers and certain caterpillars attack herbs when conditions are right. Control is usually not necessary until you notice a problem.
 

    * Propagation from seeds
      You can grow many herbs from seeds. If possible, sow the seeds in pots or flats indoors in late winter. They need a sunny window and cool temperatures (60 degrees F) for best growth. Treat young plants for the garden just as you would treat young salvia or pepper plants.

      Because some plants take longer than others to develop, start those with smaller seeds first, preferably in February. You may later transplant them into individual pots and plant them in the garden after danger of frost is past. The finer the seeds, the shallower you should sow them.

      A few herbs do not transplant well. Sow them directly into the garden. Plant anise, coriander, dill and fennel directly in the garden and donąt transplant them.

      For direct seeding outdoors, plant in spring after all danger of frost is past and the soil is beginning to warm up. Make the soil into a fine, level seed bed. As a general rule, sow seeds at a depth of twice their diameter.
 

    * Propagation from cutting, division and layering
      Some established herbs multiply asexually by cutting, division or layering.

      Layering is suitable for many perennials with flexible branches. Division works well for tarragon, chives and mint. You can propagate lavender, lemon balm, scented geraniums, sage and rosemary from cuttings.

      You can take cuttings of herbs any time during late spring and summer from healthy, well-established plants. Those taken in fall take longer to root. Healthy tip growth makes the best cuttings. Cuttings of vigorous soft shoots or old woody stems are less desirable.

      Cut just below a node to form a cutting that is 3 to 5 inches long. Most herbs should root in two to four weeks. After rooting, overwinter them indoors in pots on a sunny window or in a coldframe. Plant them outdoors in a permanent location the following spring.

      Division is useful for multiplying healthy, established plants that may be two to four years old. Division allows modest increase for plants like chives, mints and French tarragon. Divide herbs in early spring before growth begins. Dig up the old plant and cut or pull it apart into sections. Replant the sections and keep them moist until the new plants are established.

      Layering is the simplest and most reliable method to increase perennial herbs such as thyme, lemon balm, winter savory, sage, bay and rosemary.
 
  The basic principle is to produce roots on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. After you root the stem, detach the new plant from the parent. Select a healthy branch that is growing close to the ground and that is flexible enough to bend down to the soil. While holding the branch close to the soil, bend the top 6 to 10 inches of the stem into a vertical position. It may be helpful to scrape the bark on the underside of the branch at the bend. Bury the bent, scraped portion 3 to 6 inches deep, and anchor it with a wire loop. Insert a small stake to hold the top upright. Water thoroughly.

      You can layer anytime from spring to late summer. Allow the rooted shoot to remain in place until the following spring. Then cut it from the parent plant and plant it into the desired location.
 

    * Winter protection
      Many herbs suffer winter damage in our climate, (Missouri) so some winter protection for perennial herbs is advisable. Many herbs have shallow roots that heave out during spring thawing and freezing of soil. A loose mulch spread over the roots about 4 inches deep can provide adequate protection.
 
  Evergreen boughs, straw or oak leaves are good materials for a mulch. Donąt mulch until after the ground is frozen in early winter. Do not remove mulch until you see signs of new growth in the early spring. If the mulch compacts during the winter from heavy snows, fluff it up in early spring before growth begins.
 
 
Harvesting herbs

Depending on the herb, harvest may include one or more plant parts. In most cases you harvest the leaves, but in some cases you pick flowers, seeds or roots. Handle blossoms just as you would handle leaves. Often, you harvest blossoms with the leaves and mix them together. Dried herbs lose quality in two to three years. Discard them if you havenąt used them in that time.
 
 
    * Leaves
      To determine the best harvest time for each herb, you need some experience. However, a few general rules can lead you in the right direction for most herbs.
 
  Harvest the leaves when they contain the optimum amount of essential oils. These oils give herbs their special flavor or scent. Ideally you should cut herbs soon after the dew has evaporated from the leaves in the morning. Harvest on a dry day that has been preceded by at least two sunny days.

      In most cases, cut stems for harvest when the flower buds are just beginning to open. Mints, however, have the most oil in the leaves when the spikes are in full bloom.

      When gathering a large quantity of herbs, use an open-weave basket or containers that allow good air movement. Donąt stuff herbs into plastic bags, which can heat up and cause rapid deterioration of herbs.
 
  Never cut more stems than you can conveniently dry at one time. You can cut back a perennial herb to about half its height and can cut down an annual to a few inches. You can also remove an annual completely near the end of the season.

      Wash the plants in cool water immediately after gathering and spread them on towels. Pat them gently with a towel until dry. A dark, well-ventilated room where temperatures run between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit is an excellent room for drying.
 
  Air conditioning is helpful, because it reduces humidity in the air. You can use frames covered with cheesecloth or other netting, or metal window screens with cheesecloth laid on top for drying. Prepare the frames or screens before you cut the plants.

      For some herbs, you strip the leaves from the stems before drying. Herbs in this group include basil, dill, lemon balm, lovage, mint, sage, lemon verbena and tarragon. Spread these leaves in single layers for quickest drying.

      Herbs with smaller leaves can be dried on the stems. These herbs include thyme, summer and winter savory, rosemary, oregano and marjoram. Strip the leaves after drying is complete.

      Herb leaves should dry in three to four days under proper conditions. In humid weather, you may need to spread the herbs on a cookie sheet and dry them in an oven at about 125 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes before placing them in an airtight container.

      Some herbs do not dry well at home. Instead, you can freeze them. Handle them as you would for drying. Then after washing, blanch them in boiling, unsalted water for 50 seconds, cool quickly in ice water and blot dry. Spread them in a single layer on paper or cookie sheets and place them in the freezer.

      You can freeze dill, chives and basil without blanching. After the herbs are frozen, place them in airtight plastic containers or bags.
 

    * Roots
      Angelica and lovage produce usable roots. Dig these roots in the late fall or early spring. Wash them thoroughly after digging. Then slice or split the large roots. Place the pieces in thin layers on screens and turn the slices several times a week.
 
  After they are partially dry, finish them in an oven at low heat before placing them in an airtight container for storage. It may take roots six to eight weeks to dry completely. When dry, the root piece should snap when you bend it.
 

    * Seeds
      You can grow and process seeds of dill, caraway, fennel and anise at home. When the plants begin to mature and yellow, cut the heads of the plants containing the seeds, leaving a short stem. Place them on a drying tray for five or six days.
 
  Then the seeds should fall fairly easily from the heads. Remove the chaff, and allow the seeds to continue to dry for another week. Stir them frequently. Store seeds in airtight jars after complete drying.
 
 
Herbs indoors

  You can grow many herbs indoors, but they will be less productive than those grown outdoors. They are best used fresh. They require the same conditions as herbs that are grown outdoors: plenty of sunlight and good, well-drained soil.
 
  Select a south or west window. During winter, they need as much light as you can give them. If a bright location is unavailable, supplement existing light with "grow lamps" or fluorescent lights.
 
  For herbs in pots, soilless growing media consisting of peat, vermiculite and perlite work well. Because most herbs prefer a nonacid soil, add a cup of ground limestone per bushel of soil or about one teaspoon per 5-inch pot. Prepackaged potting media usually contain limestone.
 
  Good drainage is important. Never leave herbs sitting in a saucer of water. Water well, so a little water runs through the pot but does not accumulate. Allow moderate drying, but not wilting, between waterings.
 
  You can seed annual herbs in pots in late summer. They will go through a life cycle indoors. Perennial herbs will improve and be more productive if you place them outdoors during the summer. Outdoors, keep potted herbs in an area that provides good light but gives some protection from intense heat or winds.
 
  You can also plunge pots into the garden with soil up to the rim. These pots dry faster than surrounding soil and may need extra watering.
 
  In fall, bring potted herbs indoors before frost. A light frost on some herbs, such as chives, mint and tarragon, wonąt be harmful. Fertilize lightly as you would houseplants, and trim as needed for use and to maintain an attractive appearance.
 

Herb descriptions
 
    * Angelica
      A very tall biennial with large clusters of small greenish flowers. The main use is for a condiment or confection. Hollow stems may be candied. Roots and leaves are collected in late summer of second year of growth.
 

    * Anise
      A dainty annual that has finely cut, serrated leaves with very small, whitish flowers in flat clusters. Leaves and seeds have a sweet taste that suggests licorice.
 

    * Basil

      An annual that has light green or dark purple leaves. A number of varieties with different growth habits are available. Flowers are small, white and appear in spikes. Spicy leaves have many uses.
 
 

    * Bay, sweet
      Also called laurel. Bay is an evergreen tree used as a potted plant in cold climates. This plant produces the well-known bay leaf, which may be picked for use or dried at any time.
 

    * Borage
      An annual with coarse, hairy leaves and attractive sky-blue, star-shaped flowers. Flowers and leaves give a cool, cucumber-like flavor to summer drinks. Attractive to bees.
 

    * Caraway

      A biennial that flowers in flat, white clusters with very finely cut leaves like carrot leaves. Caraway seeds are aromatic and are used as an ingredient of liqueurs. Popular for cooking.
 

    * Catnip
      A hardy perennial with leaves that are green on top and gray underneath. Flowers grow in purple spikes. It is used for tea and seasoning and is attractive to cats.
 

    * Chervil
      An annual with lacy leaves like parsley but paler green. It has flat heads of white flowers and is used like parsley.
 

    * Chives

      Small, onion-like plant in clumps that produces light purple flowers. Useful as an ornamental plant. Leaves provide onionlike flavor.
 

    * Cicely, sweet
      Decorative fernlike downy leaves. White flowers in umbels. Needs partial shade. Seeds are picked green and used fresh with other herbs. Leaves may be picked for use at any time. Once used as a sugar substitute and a furniture polish.
 

    * Comfrey
      A very coarse perennial plant with prickly hairs on the leaves. Flowers may be yellowish white or pink in drooping clusters. Leaves large and somewhat bitter.
 

    * Coriander

      An annual with umbels of pinkish-white flowers and feathery leaves. Leaves have a somewhat disagreeable odor. Seeds are widely used in spice mixtures and curry powders. Seeds may be used whole or crushed.
 

    * Dill

      An annual with dark green stems and feathery bluish-green leaves. Flowers are yellow in flat umbels. Chopped leaves and seeds have many uses.
 

    * Fennel

      There are several species, but sweet fennel is considered most desirable. Leaves are bright green and delicate below umbels of yellow flowers. It has a faint anise fragrance. Traditionally used with fish, but now has many uses.
 

    * Horehound
      A coarse perennial covered with whitish hairs. Leaves are crinkled. Leaves and small stems should be cut before flowering begins. Most popular use is to flavor candy.
 

    * Hyssop
      A hardy perennial with small, pointed leaves, spikes of blue flowers and woody stems. Harvest only youngest leaves, which may be added to salads. Flavor is slightly bitter and minty. Used to flavor liqueurs and sometimes as a condiment.
 

    * Lavender
      Several different species may be grown, but the English lavender is considered the finest. Plants are bushy with narrow grayish-green leaves. Flowers are bluish purple in spikes. All parts of the plant contain the scent, but it is strongest in the flowers. Much used in potpourri and sachets. Also used for tea.
 

    * Lemon balm
      Perennial plant with light green, heart-shaped leaves that are deeply veined. Yellowish-white flowers appear throughout the summer. May be harvested several times during the season, but first harvest is considered best. Many uses, but frequently added to jams, jellies and fruit salads.
 

    * Lemon verbena

      Nonhardy, woody shrub for pots and indoor use. Long, pointed, dark green leaves come from each stem node in groups of three leaves. Lemon verbena adds a lemony taste to teas, cold drinks and jellies.
 
 
    * Lovage

      A tall perennial plant with shiny, dark green leaves. Has hollow stems that terminate in clusters of yellow flowers. Leaves, young stems and roots are eaten. It gives a slightly spicy taste to many dishes or soups.
 

    * Marjoram, sweet
      There are three major species, one of which is sometimes called oregano. Sweet marjoram is used as an annual plant often with thyme. It is sweet and spicy. Plants are low growing with small, gray-green leaves on tough, woody stems. Flowerheads have small, pale mauve to white flowers. The delicate flavor is most used for beef, game or poultry.
 

    * Myrtle
      The true myrtle is a nonhardy evergreen shrub with small evergreen leaves and small, creamy-white flowers that produce blue-black berries. Use as a pot or tub plant. Will take shearing well. Leaves used in potpourri and herb sachets.
 

    * Oregano

      A sprawling plant with leaves much coarser than sweet marjoram. Although called oregano, there is some disagreement as to the best source of the oregano flavor. Among other plants with an oregano flavor, Spanish thyme, Thymus nummularius, is an alternative.
 

    * Parsley
      A biennial plant with often curly, dark green foliage. Seeds are slow to germinate. Well known and the most popular of all herbs.
 

    * Peppermint
      A spreading plant with numerous upright shoots that may reach a height of 2 feet. Dark green leaves are produced from reddish stems. Grows best in moist soils. Best cut just as flowering begins. Mints can be invasive.
 

    * Rosemary

      May grow outdoors for summer, but not winter-hardy outdoors. Needs sunny location and well-drained soil. Can be pruned severely if necessary to keep in proportion with pot size. Popular for veal, lamb, shellfish and other meats.
 

    * Sage
      A woody plant with oblong leaves that have a wooly, gray-green covering that is lighter on the bottom. May grow 2 feet high but tends to sprawl. Several forms are available, including purple-leaved, variegated-leaved and dwarf growing. Needs a sunny location and well-drained soil. Used with meats and dressings.

    * Sage, pineapple
      Not reliably winter-hardy and should be overwintered in pots. Has rough, pointed leaves and attractive cardinal red flowers. Used to give a pineapple scent to potpourris or to add flavor to drinks such as iced tea.
 

    * Savory, summer
      Produces small, bronze-green leaves and small white or lavender flowers. The small leaves are less conspicuous than the stems. Cut when in bud and hang to dry. Used as a condiment for meats and vegetables.

    * Savory, winter
      This woody plant has shiny, pointed, dark green leaves and small white or lavender flowers. Needs a well-drained, sandy soil. Dead branches should be trimmed out. May be picked and dried at any time.
 

    * Spearmint

      Has slightly crinkled leaves lighter green than peppermint. Needs moist soil, but very hardy. Leaves and stems may be picked anytime. For drying, pick stems as flowering begins. Leaves used in cold drinks or to make mint sauce.
 

    * Tarragon
      Has somewhat twisted, narrow, dark green leaves. Grows best in partial shade. Fairly hardy, but needs winter protection to ensure survival in colder climates. Leaves and stems are used fresh to flavor vinegar. Flavor is lost during drying.
 

    * Thyme
      Stems are low-growing, wiry and woody. Leaves are small and usually gray-green. Needs bright light and well-drained soil. Plants are not long-lived and may need replacement every few years. Other forms of thyme are also useful and attractive. Mother-of-thyme is a prostrate-growing species only a few inches in height. Lemon thyme is also popular. All thyme species may be used for seasoning food. Shoots should be harvested while in flower.
 

    * Woodruff, sweet

      A low-growing perennial with shiny leaves in whorls around each stem. Should be grown in shady, woodland sites for best growth. Remove leaves just as the herb comes into flower or during flowering. Has been used for potpourri or strewn in storage cupboards and among linen. Used for the May cup or May wine. Best flavor occurs after leaves have wilted slightly.

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--Beware of Snapdragons--

--Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade--
 
--My husband said if I buy any more perennials he would leave me...gosh, I'm going to miss that man!--