The cultivation of herbs is as old as civilization itself. Over five thousand years ago the Sumerians had already described the therapeutic properties of thyme, caraway, and many other plants employed in the healing arts. The Greeks and Romans used herbs not only as medicine but also to make food seasonings, cosmetics, dyes, and even aromatic room fresheners.
It took the artistic sensibility of the Elizabethans to recognize herbs as worthy garden ornaments. Neatly trimmed dwarf lavenders, sages, and other compact-growing herbs were weaved into intricate landscape embroideries, called knot gardens, that became the rage of sixteenth-century Europe.
Nothing so elaborate is required of modern gardeners. Indeed, part of the appeal of herbs as garden plants is their versatility. They can be grown in rows within a vegetable patch or may be grouped into formal or casual clusters throughout a home landscape. Rest assured that with their delicate flowers, as well as their attractive leaves in myriad shapes, textures, and colors, herbs can hold their own against conventional decorative plants.
Since herbs deserve to be showcased like garden flowers, why not do so in a prominent bed or border? A flair for design is a plus but not a must. The selection of herbs and the layout of the bed is largely a matter of personal taste an common sense. Although there are no firm rules of design, it certainly is sensible to spot different sized herbs where they can be best appreciated. Clumps of tall-growing varieties, such as sweet Cecily and artemisia, should go toward the bed's rear. Parsley, winter savory, or other low-growing types make pretty front edgings. For the bed's middle, choose an assortment of medium-sized herbs whose flowers and foliage are complementary. A grouping of fern-leaf yarrow, sage, and lavender cotton, for example, forms a lovely tableau with each plant providing a distinctive accent: Yarrow offers flat-topped clusters of bright yellow blossoms; sage sends up long spikes lined with violet-blue blooms; and lavender cotton supplies a delicate lacework of silvery gray foliage. What better spot to locate such a colorful, sweet-scented bed of herbs than close by a kitchen door?
Adventurous gardeners discover all sorts of landscape roles for herbs. In warm climates rosemary makes a handsome evergreen hedge. Bay laurel used by the ancient Romans in crows wreaths and by today's Italians in pastas--can serve as an eye-catching specimen tree in a front lawn or large patio planter. Ground-hugging herbs can create magnificent garden carpets. Sweet woodruff remains under five inches tall but spreads rapidly even in shaded areas. It can be mowed and is resilient enough to withstand occasional footsteps. The leaves, which are traditional in German May wine, form pretty whirled rosettes. Thyme is another good ground cover. Some gardeners use it between the cracks in stone walkways and patios. Crushed underfoot, the plants release their unforgettable aroma.
Herbs and patios make ideal combinations, with seasonings for food and drink right at hand during barbecues and picnics. Some outdoor chefs insist on a patio that is enclosed by herb-filled beds. Herbs can also be grown in patio planters and window boxes. On city terraces or country porches, there is always room for a mini-herb garden in flowerpots. Upright growing plants, such as sweet basil and oregano, are well-suited for standing pots, while thyme, mint, and other
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