When you hear the phrase, Herb Garden Plants, what comes to mind? Do you see witches casting spells, a small bottle of a magical potion, or an amulet containing herbs? Do you see a medicine man or monk with their assortment of herbs for healing? Do you see an old farmhouse with bundles of herbs hanging from the rafters and drying? Perhaps you are remembering the scent of lavender or rosemary. You may be thinking of the herbs you or someone you know use in cooking.
Today the popularity of herbs can be attributed to their practical uses and this makes them appealing to both gardeners and non-gardeners.
For centuries home herb gardens and herb garden plants have been the focus of cooking, medicine, tonics, oils, nutrients, essences, charms, salves, love potions, amulets, bouquets, shampoos, bath oils, incense, vinegars, salts, butters, teas, wine, preserving food, and many more uses. These all fall into one or more of the main 4 categories of herbs.
Culinary herbs are used in cooking and fresh dishes. The nice thing about growing culinary herbs is they can be grown outside in the garden or landscape or in containers as well as indoor. Culinary herbs planted outdoors make a great edible landscape. They are the perfect plant to grow in the kitchen and are right there when you need or want them for your cooking.Many of the culinary herbs are also medicinal herbs.
Medicinal Herbs used in herbal medicine is the oldest form of “healthcare” known to mankind. You can’t find one culture throughout history that didn’t use some form of a herb plant to treat the ill members of its society. Different parts of herb garden plants are used: leaves, flowers, stems, fruits from certain plants, oils, and especially their roots to relieve symptoms or to even prevent certain health conditions from ever occurring. Consult with your physician before using or trying any herbs for medicinal purposes.
Ornamental herbs are grown for decoration both in and out of the garden as well as in crafts. Their flowers and foliage colors can vary in hues from bright to very dull and some are prized for the texture of their leaves. Some of these herbs have light-colored or whitish flowers or variegated foliage. These plants make perfect accents for a balcony or to line your flowerbed. Many of the medicinal herbs are also ornamental herbs.
Aromatic herbs are grown by the perfume industry to be used as additives in products such as perfumes, toilet water and other items needing a radiant fragrance. These herbs are used for aromatherapy. In the home herb garden we grow aromatic herbs for our pleasure, to use for potpourris, as well as for companion planting and pest control.
Herb plants can span more than one category. Basil, Calendula, Chives, Fennel, Lavender, Mint are just a few of herbs which are used in all 4 categories.
Herbs are using in companion planting to increase other plants productivity and also as insect repellents, keeping pests off of and away from other plants. Some herbs are used to enhance the soil.
When it comes down to it, herb garden plants come in all sizes, shapes, and colors and are an important part of the landscape around our homes. Herbs consist of annuals, perennials, and biennials. Herb garden plants have attractive flowers; they attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They make up hedges, backgrounds, low borders, and ground covers. They can take full sun, some tolerate shade, and others tolerate moist soil or dry soil.
You may already have herb garden plants in your landscape in the form of flowers such as Marigolds, Calendulas, Pansies, Passion Flower, Scented Geraniums, Juniper, Wormwood, Violets, Ladies Mantle, Nasturtiums, Roses, Columbine, Hollyhocks, Carnations, and many, many more.