Growing an herb garden can be a very rewarding task. One of the joys of herbs is that they awaken your senses, in more ways than one. Color is something that is often overlooked in herb gardens but definitely should not be. The vivid colors and the wide array of scents are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes enjoying your herb garden.
The wide range of scents not only has a lasting effect but is often one of the major reasons for growing herbs. Other main reasons are because they are edible and save money if you use herbs on a regular basis. When you use fresh herbs in your culinary creations, you can tell the difference. Dried herbs just don’t compare in quality or taste.
By now you may be wondering how herbs can awaken your senses with color when they are green. While most herbs are green and when they bloom the flowers are often insignificant, don’t forget about the boldness of variegation or other edible flowers that you can mix in.
Lemon Balm, Pineapple Mint and Apple Mint come in variegated varieties. There are also tri-colored sages that are red, green and white. Many of the scented geraniums such as chocolate mint have a patterned leaf. By simply looking through herb catalogs, visiting your local herb shop and browsing the internet you will find a wide variety of colors and leaf patterns available.
There are several plants that grow well with herbs, such as the new variegated strawberries, available from Richter Herbs. They sport a green and white leaf. Of course, the red strawberries will add a very colorful surprise. As an added benefit of growing strawberries, over time they will spread and choke the weeds out.
Nasturtiums, pansies and roses all do well when they are combined with herbs. An added plus is that they are edible. Lavender is another great edition for color not to mention the fact that the scent of lavender is relaxing.
For an interesting border for your herb garden, try planting variegated strawberries, thyme, pansies and nasturtiums together. This will give you color all season long as well as a variation in textures.
Roses, lavender and garlic are another great combination. The garlic is a perfect companion plant for roses since many pests that bother roses are repelled by garlic. I personally like the combination of roses and lavender because when I pick a bouquet they are both there and work well together as a garnish.
Of course, if you are picking a flower bouquet, don’t forget to add in some fresh herbs such as lemon or lime balm or even mints. Many herbs make great fillers.
In addition, many herb gardens are designed to be gathering places. Designing your herb garden around a BBQ grill or picnic area can be the perfect compliment. This also makes picking fresh herbs for the meal a breeze. Of course, if you prefer a more tranquil private spot for your herb garden try adding a simple chair or hammock.
An herb garden can be so much more than just a place to go and pick fresh herbs. It can be a place to gather bouquets. It can also be a tranquil place to reflect on life or a place to enjoy in a variety of ways. It can also be a colorful place designed to awaken your senses…each and every one.
