| Basil (ocimum basilicum) | There are several great varieties of basil to choose from. Some varieties are chosen for aroma, color, or of course one of several different flavors. Some varieties will grow 2' tall by 1' wide and could be used as centerpieces. Whatever reason you choose basil its usually best as a second or third tier planting. Plant in full sun with well draining soil mixed with compost or composted cow manure. |
| Cilantro/Coriander (coriandrum sativum) | Cilantro can grow 1 1/2' tall however generally only 10"-14". Prized for its lemon like flavor it's great in mexican dishes and salads. Plant in full sun to partial shade with well draining soil mixed with compost or composted cow manure. |
| Dill (anethum graveolens) | Because dill grows tall 3'-4' it makes a good centerpiece until harvested. Dill is used for flavoring sandwiches, salads, soup, and of course pickles. Plant in full sun and well draining soil mixed with compost or composted cow manure. |
| Lavender (lavendula) | A spectacular multiple purpose herb, flower, and shrub. You can't miss a lavender in bloom with its bright purple/blue blossoms and strong aroma. For centuries this herb has been used in flavoring foods and wines. Other great uses have been in soaps and perfumes for its distinct aroma and fresh or dried flower bouquets. Generally the dense portion of this herb is about 1.5' tall with blooms rising above 6"-14". Plant in full sun and well draining soil mixed with compost or composted cow manure. |
| Chives (allium) | Because chive are an allium related to garlic and onions they will have a beautiful blossoming seed head. Besides being a great flavor in meals its fun to just pinch off a stem while walking by and chew on it. Plant chives as a last tier planting as the height is not much above 12" chives if left alone will re seed themselves from year to year. Plant in well draining soil mixed with compost or composted cow manure. |
| Oregano (origanum vulgare) | Oregano is a must in Italian foods and many other dish's. Some plants can grow as tall as 2.5'. When purchasing oregano decide first if its your first second or third tier planting there are oregano that fit each of these sizes. Plant in full sun and well draining soil mixed with compost or composted manure. |
| Italian Parsley (Petrosinum crispum neopolitanum) | This flat leafed variety of parsley tends to be very flavorful and is the most common used in baking. Varieties can be as tall as 2-3 feet and up to 2 feet wide, although though we generally plant the "dark green Italian" which is smaller about 1.5 feet tall and up to 1.5 feet wide. Parsley will produce until instance deep freeze. Stems can be thinned out and cut end tied to string for hang drying. Dried cuttings can be saved for months and used to flavor soups and added to sauces. Parsley is not considered a perennial however it seems to return most years and will also re-seed on its own. Use as second or final tier planting with variety height in mind. Plant in full to partial sun and well draining soil mixed with compost or composted cow manure. |
| French Curled Leaf Parsley (Petroselinum crispum crispum) | A well know variety is "moss curled" often used as a garnish in fine cooking. This parsley can be as short as 6 inches when full grown or as tall as 18 inches. In most cases plant French parsley as a final tier unless your variety is known to be taller than 12 inches. |
| Rosemary (Rosemarinus) | You can plant two types of rosemary "prostrate", a low growing variety great as ground cover or hanging over walls and planters, or "upright" as the name suggests can be as tall as 4 feet. We generally plant "Blue Spires" (upright) in landscape beds as individuals or as a well-groomed hedge, and rosemary prostratus to overhang planters. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean regions and does very well in the great Northwest. Prune regularly to maintain desired shape and encourage new growth. Rosemary leaves are great herbal additions to fine food, soap and used in making certain wines, the stems can be used as kabobs when grilling. Use as centerpiece or as final tier depending on variety type. Plant in full to partial sun and well draining soil mixed with compost or composted cow manure. |
| Sage (salvia officinalis) | Related to the mint family, sage has a very different taste to be certain. Although most varieties grown in our region only reach 12-14 inches, some varieties can grow as tall as 3 feet. Sage leaves can be picked and eaten fresh or dried for latter cooking. Use as second-third tier planting, Plant in full to partial sun and well draining soil mixed with compost or composted cow manure. |
| Savory (satureja) | With both summer and winter varieties you can enjoy this herb year-round. Savory varieties can reach 24 inches tall and is great with seafood in addition to other cooking favorites. Use as second-third tier planting, plant in full to partial sun and well draining soil mixed with compost or composted cow manure. |
| Sweet Bay (Laurus Nobilis) | Sweet Bay is a laurel and can reach 40 feet tall without pruning of top and roots, however we have with light pruning maintained them at 2-3 feet with no problem. The leaves are harvested for their strong flavor and used fresh or dried. Used as the centerpiece of your display this evergreen shrub is great as a back drop for your other potted plantings. We recommend using large planters 20 inches+ as this shrub will need at least 12 inches diameter center. Plant in full to partial sun and well draining soil mixed with compost or composted cow manure. |
| Tarragon (Artemisia Dracunculus) | My family has added tarragon to potato salad, green salad, and soup for as long as I can remember. This perennial comes as Russian (inodorus) or French (Sativa). French tarragon has stronger flavor and is our recommended variety. Russian plants can reach 3 feet while French varieties should remain below 2 feet. Plant with height in mind for second or third tier planting. Plant in full to partial sun and well draining soil mixed with compost or composted cow manure. |
| Thyme (Thymus) | Thyme has a wide variety of growing characteristics from shrub like to ground cover. Some varieties can reach 4 feet tall while others 1 foot or less. Keep height in mind when planting as this herb could be from a centerpiece to a final tier. Leaves can be eaten fresh or dried and used in a wide range of foods from seafood to soup and poultry. Plant in full to partial sun and well draining soil mixed with compost or composted cow manure. |