In a kitchen garden, the emphasis is on culinary herbs (herbs for use in cooking). Ideally, the garden should be as near as possible to the kitchen door so fresh herbs are within reach. Paths are important for easy access, with herbs most often used, such as parsley, planted along the borders.

Steep slopes may seem to be the last place you would want to plant an herb garden, but such a location provides the opportunity to create beds which can be filled with trailing rosemary, fragrant geraniums and colorful thymes hanging gracefully over the sides. The terraces can be tall to accommodate even large herbs or as shallow as a set of stairs. If financially feasible, consider building stone walls.

This is a strolling garden composed of the same low-growing herbs that are suitable for groundcovers. The plants themselves make wonderful, fragrant paths that fill the air with fragrance every time someone walks on them. Use herbs for the path itself, or create a path by scraping an area flat, then placing flagstones, bricks, wood rounds, or other suitable material in it, then filling in between the materials with some topsoil and herbs.

:

An herb garden in planter boxes can solve many problems for gardeners who are restricted by lack of space or poor soil, or for those who have difficulty bending over. The planters can be made as tall as you need, and they have an advantage over pots in that the herbs don't become as rootbound or dry out so easily. Planter boxes are usually constructed out of wood. Some can be used as window boxes.

	A formal effect can be achieved by keeping herbs trimmed and by leaving large spaces between them to make each one distinct. Paths are often symmetrical, with low borders of well-trimmed herbs edging them. A bird bath, fountain, or sundial completes the effect.

	A wild garden allows the herbs to grow in natural patterns and to intermingle as they spread. Low-growing flowers can be set in informal patches. This doesn't mean you can't provide a few guidelines on where each one should grow. The wild garden isn't a no-work garden, but is is certainly one of the easier to maintain. This herb garden includes annuals and perennials to add color.

	Groundcovers provide an excellent way to fill in more space with herbs. Some herbs such as the low-growing Roman chamomile and pennyroyal, can actually be walked upon, although they cannot tolerate heavy foot traffic. Such herbs are perfect where lawn grass grows thin, especially under trees. They can also cover a sloped bank with color.

	If lack of space for your herb garden is a problem, plant a strip of herbs along a back fence or next to a walk. Although not the ideal placement for edible herbs, such gardens look attractive placed next to a driveway or along a road. It can either be a high hedge of trimmed herbs, such as winter-hardy lavender or santolina.

:
	Many herbs will grow well even on a windowsill or on the patio. If they are inside, make sure they also get plenty of light, either through a south-facing window or under a grow light. Be sure to choose a large enough pot so the herbs will have enough root space. There is a wide array of pots and containers beautiful enough to enhance any garden landscape or outdoor room.

The knot garden intertwines herbs such as santolina, thyme and germander into elaborate and symmetrical patterns. Gray santolina is a favorite because it can be trimmed and also contrasts nicely with greener plants. Herbs with various textures and colors are planted carefully and trimmed neatly to create the appearance of ropes looping over and under each other. The effect is striking, especially when viewed from an upper-story window.

HOMEPAGE