I think of all the plant groups, herbs have to be one of the most versatile. Whether you are planting them for culinary, medicinal or aesthetic appeal, herbs tick so many boxes. Many of them are drought tolerant too and, just to add to their appeal, are wonderful magnets for pollinating insect. They can be grown in pots on a sunny patio, in a dedicated herb bed, or mixed into a border scheme with other herbaceous and perennials. I just simply can't get enough of them.
I do find it quite staggering how much a box of herb teas will cost you at your local supermarket or health-store when these concoctions are so easily grown and prepared at home for a fraction of the price. A pinch of dried lemon verbena in a cup of hot water is really all it takes, and if you want to get really fancy use a cafetiere and mix in a few sprigs of whatever might take your fancy.
Gardens need to work a little, and I don't just mean providing an ornamental display without anything a little more tangible, edible or entertaining even. Herbs deliver in this respect. Many of them look beautiful, smell gorgeous and provide a host of other culinary and medicinal benefits. I don't think that any genre of garden style cannot accommodate a well designed herb garden.
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