the herb garden

While we've been enjoying snow flurries and mornings in the looooow twenties, I know that there are parts of the country that are actually enjoying spring.

By the way, what's that like? I'd really like to know.

For those of you who are visiting your local nurseries and farmers markets, I thought I'd share a few of my favorites for the herb garden.

While the symmetrical design of my raised bed garden lends itself style wise to the title of herb garden, it's really more of a cutting garden with some herbs and veggies thrown in.

I happily make room for the most popular, well known and much used herbs.

Thyme...


Sage...


Various and assorted members of the mint family...


By the way, mint will absolutely take over your garden, so consider planting it in its own container. Seriously consider planting it in its own container. Consider yourself warned. Lots of considering here today.


Rosemary....


Dill...


There are more, but I either don't have pictures, or more likely, just can't think of what they are right now.

Now, for my failures. I cannot, under any circumstances, grow cilantro or basil that don't immediately look like plant death warmed over. They are just not happy at my house. After trying them for several years, I have finally thrown in the cilantro and basil towel. While they are both herbs I love, I simply focus on what herbs do well for me and buy those that don't at the farmers market or grocery store.

Actually, that's not totally true. I whine quite a bit about not having two of my very favorites right outside my back door, but for the sake of this post, I'll take the basil and cilantro high road.

Now, there are a few plants that might be a little harder to find, but for me, they are a true delight.

While most garden favorites are a visual treat, these little green guys cater to your sense of smell.

Scented Geranium...


There are many varieties out there, but Orange Fizz is my favorite. Simply brushing the plant as you walk by releases an explosion of orange scent. The flowers are quite small, but that's okay because you're buying this one for the perfume, not the bottle.

Pineapple mint...


Dreamy in iced tea, and it makes a very pretty garnish for desserts.

Pineapple sage...


The cuttings we took from the plant we overwintered are looking pretty good. Later in the summer, it gets a very bright red flower. It smells just like a fresh pineapple and is tied with the Orange Fizz geranium as my favorite garden smeller.

And finally, curry.


This year is only the second time I've come across this plant, and I just love it. I know most people are either lovers or haters of curry, but if your a lover, keep your eye out for this fun little addition to the garden. It smells amazingly just like curry. Hence the name I would imagine. There's debate as to whether this plant is edible or not, so I just enjoy it for its aroma. Yum.

As I show friends around the herb garden, I am constantly picking leaves, practically stuffing them up my guests nose, and saying...."Guess what this is. What's it smell like? Guess! No, just guess! Come on, guess! It'll be fun!"

My friends love it. I can tell.

So, enough about my garden. What herbs make your summer life complete? I would love to hear. I can talk/write/listen/read about plants forever. Please share your favorites with the rest of the class.