Selecting Growing Garden Herbs
One of the most interesting things about growing garden herbs is discovering the wide array of types of herb garden plants. The range of things created by herb plants is amazing. It includes
culinary, aromatic, ornamental, medicinal and teas usages. Let’s take a quick look at each type.
Culinary Herbs
This is the most recognized class of herbs. Most everyone is familiar with popular herbs such as basil in soup, oregano in speghetti sauce or the old favorite of chives on a baked potato. Their primary use is for enhancing the taste and flavor of most all foods.
Many refer to these plants as “sweet herbs.” They can be annual, biennial or perennial and have a great aromatic flavor. Examples of this type include:
1 Basil – A favorite that will delightfully season your meat, poultry or fish. It is an excellent addition to soups, salads and sauces. It can even make an omelet special.
2. Chives – Has a mildly onion flavor which makes it a zesty addition to lots of dishes.
3. Coriander – A very versatile herb.
4. Dill - Has a sharp slightly bitter taste. Perfect for pickles.
5. Fennel – Great with fish, soups and salads.
6. Mint – Adds a dash of sunshine to any dish.
7. Parsley – Makes a great addition to salads, casseroles and omelets.
8. Sage - An awesome addition to any meat dish.
9. Tarragon – Vinegar’s best friend.
10.Thyme – Another good friend to meats.
Aromatic Herbs
Although some of these herbs are dual purpose in that they can be used for culinary needs their main function is to provide pleasant aromas. They include marjoram, lovage, rosemary and even basil. Like their culinary cousins they have a long history of use. The ancient Egyptians used aromatic herbs to make perfumes and other sweet smelling products.
These herbs are not grown as much as other types but they are a wonderful addition to any herb garden with their delightful aromas.
Ornamental herbs
The sole purpose of this type herb is to be decorative. Some have overlapping functions but they mainly provide beauty with their brightly colored flowers and foliage. Sometimes just the texture of the leaves add attractive accents to a their surroundings.
Ornamental herb plants include; Dittany of Crete, valerian, borage and chicory.
Medicinal Herbs
This type of herb is probably the most intriguing of all because of its place in man’s history. Before the advent of modern medicine medicinal herbs were all that was available to man for health remedies. Evidence of medicinal use of herbs is present with every civilization throughout history.
Adding medicinal herbs to garden not only provide health aids but it links the gardener with his distant forefathers.
Here is a list of ten commonly used herbs. Some will be familiar others are less know but all are effective gifts to mankind.
1. Nettles – Aids against inflammation due to allergies and is rich in vitamin C and iron.
2. Calendula – Also known as marigold and is a gentle healing agent.
3. Burdock – This is beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Chamomile – A well known healing herb best known for its calming effects on the human body.
5. Echinacea – A powerful booster of the immune system.
6. Lavender – A respected pain killer and reliever of anxiety.
7. Lemon Balm – Good for the digestive system and mild insomnia.
8. St. John’s Wort – It’s best know use is in the treatment of depression.
9. Feverfew – For centuries it was known as a cure for migraine headaches as well as arthritis and rheumatism.
10. Valerian – This herb has been used to treat anxiety, nervous tension, restlessness and digestive disorders.
Tea Herbs
Herbal teas have been a favorite for many centuries. The Japanese and Chinese cultures have enjoyed them as far back as recorded history. European societies have an equal appreciation of the benefits of herbal teas so what better recommendation is there to include herbal teas in your herb garden?
This overview of the types of herbs gives you enough information to make decisions. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get that herb garden started.
