Herbs bring a sense of history to the garden, and our present-day interest in these functional, attractive plants includes their use in flavoring food, potential healing qualities, scents, as crafts and ornamental contributions to the garden.

Our mild climate is ideal for growing herbs. Only three requirements are needed: raised beds, good soil and sunlight.

Herbs require good drainage, so  a raised bed or containers filled with an organically enriched soil with a relatively neutral pH (6.5-7) bring best results.  Plant herbs where there is an abundance of sunlight - about six hours - as this encourages good development of the oils in the leaves. It is these essential oils that give the herbs flavor and fragrance.  Herbs can be used in formal designs, such as a knot garden, or interplanted among existing shrubs, and flowering annuals and perennials. Rosemary, for example, is perennial in our growing area, and is an excellent addition to a mixed bed. There are upright and prostrate forms. Other highly textural herbs, such as parsley and southernwood, can be used as a border.  Herbs are also attractive in containers on the patio, trained into topiaries and in kitchen window boxes.