Rediscover the joy of growing herb gardens

Everyone could participate in growing something healthy for their families, raised gardens of tomatoes or pots of tomatoes, mixed greens for salads and herb bowls on the deck. With herbs you can bring them inside and grow them all year round.

In the early days people depended on herbs for the major source of food seasoning. Then the modern stores came along and with everybody working it kind of faded out, but many gardeners are rediscovering the joy and pleasure of producing their own herbs and using the herbs for cooking and so much more. There are many uses for herbs such as culinary (the most common), aromatic, ornamental and medicinal.

Culinary herbs: Some of the most common ones are parsley, sage, chives, thyme, savory, marjoram, mint and basil. These herbs are probably the most useful to herb gardeners.

Aromatic herbs: Most have pleasant smelling flowers or foliage. The oils are used for perfumes, toilet water and various scents. Some are used for potpourri when dried and for sachets to scent linens and clothing. Some of the common herbs include mint, marjoram, lovage, rosemary and basil.

Medicinal herbs: Medicinal herbs have some healing powers. Echinacea is good for headaches. Lavender calms and relaxes. Ginseng helps the body to deal with chronic stress. Licorice is considered an adrenal tonic and it helps the body to recover from anxiety and stress. Chamomile tea helps with stomach aches and insomnia. And oh yes, parsley is good for bad breath after the garlic delights.

Here is a list of a few herbs that will overwinter here as a perennial: Artemesia, California Poppy, Soapwort, Munstead, Lavender, various Mints, Catnip, Monarda (Beebalm), Chives and Echinacea.

There are a lot of vegetables that are excellent plant partners with herbs. Asparagus and tomatoes are good companions with basil and parsley. Cabbage, beets, celery, cucumber, lettuce, onion and spinach go well with mint and pennyroyal. Carrots, beans, peas, peppers and radishes go well with rosemary, sage and chives.

Stay healthy and grow organic.

Joyce Swaren is the owner and head horticulturalist at Blondie's Gift and Garden.