Herb Gardens


From medicines to perfumes, herbs have played key roles in history.

Just imagine: the sweet fragrance of that little chamomile patch growing beneath your kitchen window may have lured Marc Anthony into the waiting arms of Cleopatra. Chamomile was a popular and fragrant body oil used by Egyptian royalty for its seductive qualities, and in part may have contributed to the fall of the great Roman Republic. Herb gardens played a key role in Egyptian civilization. Herbal use in over 700 medicinal remedies is documented in the ancient "Ebers Papyrus," the world's oldest medical text.

Since then, the use of herbs has been significant to cultures across the globe.  The early Chinese believed that artemisia contained special charms.  During the middle ages, the French rubbed infants with artemisia juices to protect them from the cold.   The Ancient Greeks valued parsley as a remedy for stomach ailments, and rosemary as a cure for even the most pulsing headaches.  And, early American settlers brought with them herbs for a variety of uses, including: remedies for illnesses, food seasoning and preservation, fabric dye, and fragrances.   

Many benefits

The wide range of medicinal, culinary, aromatic, and decorative uses of herbs and spices is truly astonishing. Both pleasing and practical, literally hundreds of herbs can be grown indoors and out.  An herb garden requires very little space, but having one is so enjoyable that many gardeners devote their attention exclusively to growing, harvesting, and storing these potent little plants.

  • Herbal teas
  • Aroma therapies
  • Natural pharmaceuticals
  • Insect repellants
  • Culinary flavoring

These are just a few of the benefits that can come from having your own herb garden. In addition, many herbs develop beautiful flowers that will attract bees, butterflies, and neighbors, while splashing your garden with color. Even if you just prefer a small window box garden, herbs can perfectly accent your house from the inside or the outside. Culinary herbs, probably the most useful to gardeners, can add flavor to any dish and provide fresh salad greens all year round.  

Getting started

Volumes have been written about herb gardens, and starting your own is easy and fun for the whole family. With over fifty different kinds of herbs, there is truly something for everyone.  You can find herbs and herb growing kits at the following locations:

  • Garden nurseries
  • Lawn and garden centers
  • Home improvement stores
  • Organic catalogs
  • Online specialty shops

 

Welcome