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Easy Herbs for Every Space
Resilient and forgiving, herbs like mint, thyme and rosemary are simple to grow and look great in both containers and landscape designs
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects are garden-based, you might also find be writing about home projects and classical music. Away from the computer, I'm found in the garden (naturally), on my bike, or ice-skating outdoors (yes, that is possible in California). I'm also willing to taste-test anything that's chocolate.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most... More »
Growing herbs is probably one of the easiest gardening tasks you can take on, because they're generally low maintenance and fit in well with any landscape design. Rosemary and lavender can hold their own with other landscape shrubs, while thyme and chamomile are great ground covers. Other herbs can fill in garden beds or fill out planters and pots. Many will even thrive indoors, whether it's to make it through the winter or as a permanent part of your indoor landscape.
A traditional herb garden, whether a series of raised beds or a knot design, is always a good approach, but you'll be surprised at how many other ways there are to fit herbs into your space.
A traditional herb garden, whether a series of raised beds or a knot design, is always a good approach, but you'll be surprised at how many other ways there are to fit herbs into your space.
Lavender planted along these steps welcomes visitors, including butterflies, to the patio. This evergreen shrub does best in warmer climates, as winter cold or heat combined with humidity may cause problems. If that's the case where you live, try growing lavender indoors in a container.
Tip: Harvest flowers just as they start to turn color, then let them dry where it's shady and cool. Use for everything from dried flower arrangements and wreaths to potpourri and soaps.
Tip: Harvest flowers just as they start to turn color, then let them dry where it's shady and cool. Use for everything from dried flower arrangements and wreaths to potpourri and soaps.
| Thyme is right at home amongst these stone steps. It thrives in the reflected heat and does well with little water. A bonus is the fresh scent you'll get when you step on it. Cut it back regularly to keep it looking its best. Thyme will attract bees, so it's not a good choice if you or family members are allergic. |
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| Curved, rust-colored metal containers are the perfect foil for the bright-green foliage of many herbs. They're a contemporary approach to time-honored rectangular or square wooden planter boxes. Planting in containers also allows often-diminutive herbs to assume a place of importance in the landscape. |
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| One classic herb garden design is that of small beds with brick pathways between them. Here, that approach has been expanded into a formal patio area with room for seating. No need for riotous color; the varying shades of green provide enough interest, and the cool colors reflect the landscape beyond the patio edge. |
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| A cloister garden is a traditional approach to growing herbs. The walls and pebbles reflect heat, helping to intensity the flavors of these sun lovers. Consider this approach on a smaller scale in a sunlight-filled corner of your yard. |
| Prostrate rosemary is a great choice along walls. (Click the photo for a better look at it above this shelf of greens.) The flowers provide color, and the plant can tolerate hot sun, reflected heat and little water. Both flowers and leaves are edible, and you'll find birds, butterflies and even bees hovering around the plant when it's in bloom. |
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by ModernBackyard
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| Tall containers bring plants to a higher level, perfect for appreciating the often-subtle leaf variations on herbs and ideal for easy harvesting. Mix flowers in with the herbs to add color and interest, as was done here. Tip: Containers are best for growing mint. Plant it in your garden, and it will soon take over. |
by MySunnyBalcony
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You don't need garden space to grow herbs. These bright blue pots add a distinctive touch to an otherwise bland balcony. This approach also works along a fence or a balcony rail. It's a great choice for a wall that receives a lot of sun and heat; the herbs will thrive and help cool down the space, at least visually. Match your pots to your preferred garden style: terra-cotta for a traditional garden or brightly colored ceramics for a contemporary feel.
by SFGIRLBYBAY
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Even the smallest balcony can support an herb garden. Line the bottom of the planter to prevent water from seeping through to the balcony below, then water only as needed to keep herbs from getting too wet. This is a great beginning project if you're new to gardening; most herbs are surprisingly resilient.
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| A single galvanized bucket can provide a lot of herbal goodness as well. You might be surprised at how much you can grow in a small space. Dividing the container into wedges is a great idea; it gives each herb its own individual "bed." Additional decorations are at your own discretion. |
In this rustic setting, long trays mounted on the wall are home to an assortment of herbs. It's not a look that will work in every home, but where it fits in, it's unexpected but effective. When growing herbs indoors, make sure you provide plenty of light. Most herbs are sun lovers.
More:
Indoor Gardening: Herbs and Succulents
Feast Your Eyes on Edible Gardens
3 Fuss-Free Ways to Garden
More:
Indoor Gardening: Herbs and Succulents
Feast Your Eyes on Edible Gardens
3 Fuss-Free Ways to Garden
Comments
catrine36 Lovely pictures and I love growing herbs, but warning mint will take over your yard if you are not careful! I am still fighting an infestation from my neighbor's yard. So stick to containers for mint is my recommendation!
15 months ago · Like
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cmidcalf Dill is beautiful but also invasive. It showed up in my flower pots last year!
15 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on March 30, 2012.
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