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Colors, Scents, Contours, and Contrasts: Designing an Herb Garden
Combining Herbs
If you are planning a new garden area, make a wish list of plants you would like to grow, noting each plant's sun and moisture requirements and growth habit—including height and width at maturity. First-time gardeners often do not allow enough room for perennial plants to develop to their full potential. Some herbs eventually tower at several feet, while others remain low and creep along the ground. For the first few years you can fill in any gaps with annual herbs and flowers while the perennial herbs put down good foundation roots and get ready for expansion.
As in any garden, plants in an herb garden should be arranged in aesthetically pleasing combinations. Contrast rounded and soft plants with stiff and spiky growth—and take full advantage of the many shades of gray and green foliage. Bear in mind, though, that some herbs require more frequent watering than others: moisture-lovers, such as all varieties of basil, mints, lemon balm, monardas, nepetas, parsley, and tansy, should not be grouped with drought-tolerant sages, thymes, lavender, rosemary, and oregano, which all like drier feet. Also, beware of exuberant herbs, which can take over a garden, crowding out less aggressive varieties. It's a good idea, for example, to grow all species of mint in large containers, and never more than one variety to a pot! Herbs such as Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver King' and many monardas also deserve a wide berth in the garden and ruthless control.