An herb garden is a useful and beautiful addition to any home. Whether indoors or outdoors, an herb garden can elevate home-cooked meals, freshen up drinks, save money and add cheerful, fragrant bursts of color. Many herbs are easy to grow and quickly reach the stage where they can be trimmed for use. The following five plants are must-haves in any herb garden.
Rosemary
Rosemary can grow to be a pretty shrub or hedge, or it can be grown in a container on a windowsill or porch. With its tiny blue flowers, it can be used as an ornamental plant, but it is probably most known in the kitchen. It is commonly used in recipes like roast chicken, lamb and potatoes. It is also a fine addition to stews, breads and biscuits. It is a hardy plant that is easy to grow, and can last through the winter in many areas.
Sage
Sage grows well in most climates and if trimmed properly in fall, it will come back in the spring. The herb has a strong flavor and is commonly used in stews, stuffing, sausages and different breads. With many colorful varieties to choose from, sage is often used as a pretty filler plant in many gardens. This herb is high and antioxidants and was used by ancient Egyptians for fertility. A 2017 review published in the journal Drugs noted sage’s potential to “enhance cognitive activity and protect against neurodegenerative disease,” including Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Chives
Fresh chives liven up a nice garlic bread as well as salads, sauces, vegetables, potatoes and cheese dishes. Chives start easily from seeds and regrow every spring. Leaves can be snipped off as needed from the bulbs. Chives bloom into pretty little purple flowers and make an attractive addition to any garden. Chives are closely related to the scallion and leak family and are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Chamomile
Chamomile adds attractive cheer to any garden in addition to making great teas. According to doTERRA, chamomile can have a calming effect on the mind and body, making it perfect for relaxing after a long day. This legendary herb grows easily from seed in most climates and needs little maintenance once established. Chamomile has been used in many ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, menstrual disorders, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders and rheumatic pain. It is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs kown to man.
Lavender
With more than 40 varieties to choose from, lavender fits into any herb garden. The flowers come in blue, purple, pink or white. Lavender can be a soothing addition to tea, or it can be substituted for rosemary in breads. It can also be a classy addition to cakes or cookies. It can garnish a flute of champagne or add a hint of mystery to wine sauces. Dried lavender can also be used as a natural moth-repellent in closets where sweaters are stored.
Rosemary, sage, chives, chamomile and lavender make beautiful and useful additions to any herb garden. These five herbs are easy to grow and quick to reach a state where harvest is possible. For more fun plants to try in your garden, check out our Lawn and Plants section!
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