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Cool herb gardens


18 ways to grow, indoors and outdoors |

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Whether you're looking for herb garden ideas for your kitchen windowsill or want to create a fragrant herb border in your garden, there are so many wonderful ways to get started.

From refreshing mint to earthy thyme, there are myriad herbs to choose from, making them an essential addition to your vegetable garden ideas. 

Not only do aromatic herbs provide a feast for the senses in the garden, but they have the power to transform meals, adding depth and flavor to endless dishes and cocktails. 

‘The flavors from freshly picked home-grown herbs are far superior to shop-bought dried alternatives, especially if organically grown,’ says Period Living's gardening expert Leigh Clapp.

To get the best out of your herb garden, make sure you know when to plant herbs for all of your chosen varieties.

The best herb garden ideas

Herb gardens are ideal for beginner growers, as many varieties are hardy and easy to grow amongst your other kitchen garden ideas.

'Hardy herbs grow under a wide variety of conditions and levels of care. They work great in the corners of raised beds, ends of rows or in pots; and thrive in full sun, partial shade or irregular watering,' says Matthew Geldin, head farmer at Farmscape .

'My favorite hardy herbs are Berggarten sage, French thyme, Italian oregano and BBQ rosemary.'

Discover the best herb garden ideas to try in your own home and garden.

1. Plant a rosemary hedge

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Planting a rosemary hedge is a fantastic way to border flower beds and patios, as it will fill the air with its stimulating aroma and provide an endless supply of sprigs to add to dishes. As an evergreen shrub, it will also add structure to the garden year-round.

'Rosemary can grow to 4-6 foot, making it ideal for hedging,' says Lindsay Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield . 

'Is attractive narrow lance-like blueish green leaves have small purple-colored flowers that really pop during the summertime. '

Learning how to grow rosemary is key to its success. As a Mediterranean plant, it is best grown in poor, well-drained soil in drier climates. It thrives in similar conditions to lavender, which also makes a fabulous hedging plant.

Rosemary is best kept as a low, informal hedge, and should be clipped after flowering to keep its shape.

2. Surround a bench with fragrant herbs

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

Immersing yourself in the sights and scents of a herb garden is a large part of the appeal of planting one.

Instead of your herbs being a passing attraction, make them an integral part of your garden design by surrounding a secluded bench with borders packed with different vanities.

As well as filling the air with their heavenly fragrance, fennel and rosemary add height and interest in this scheme.

Take the idea one step further by building a herb planter seat, which will allow you to tend to your plants at a comfortable height.

3. Make your own herb plant markers

(Image credit: David Brittain)

Making your own plant labels is a wonderful way to personalize your garden, and they look particularly effective in potted herbs.

Here, vintage metal spoons have been labeled with each herb name, adding a charming culinary feel.

To recreate this idea, print out the herb names onto paper, sized to fit the bowl of the spoon, leaving a small gap around each word.

To get the names onto the spoon, you need to use image transfer medium – available from Amazon . Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply three thin coats on top of each name to create a clear plastic-like film.

When dry, remove the original backing paper from the names by soaking in water and rubbing off the back. Allow to dry.

Position and glue on to the spoons using the transfer medium, with the names facing the right way up. Once placed, correctly seal with a further coat of transfer medium or, if to be used outside, a clear lacquer.  

Allow to thoroughly dry overnight, before positioning in its designated pot.

4. Create a tabletop herb centerpiece

(Image credit: Alun Callender)

A tabletop planter is the most versatile of all herb planter ideas. It's perfect for outdoor entertaining, allowing guests to choose which herbs they wish to accompany their food.

For a one-off centerpiece, you can recreate this idea by filling a plant pot with cuttings from a wide variety of herbs, including sage, purple basil, rosemary and bay.

However, for a longer lasting display, plant up two or three low-maintenance and easy-to-grow herbs.

'Herbs are some of my favorite plants to grow in pots as you can move them around as needed and place them in easy-to-access areas, like on a patio or tabletop,' says Sandra Nanka, owner of Mudbrick Herb Cottage . 

Mint is a particularly good choice for entertaining, as it can be added to drinks. 'Mint is notorious for running rampant in the garden and will quickly take over a garden bed if given half the chance, so it's the perfect plant to pot up,' adds Nanka.

'Most herbs are generally quite compact plants and will thrive in small spaces. Make sure your pots have adequate drainage holes at the bottom.'

Potted herbs will need a little extra care than those grown in the ground, requiring occasional feeding an annual repotting.

5. Plant herbs for bees

(Image credit: Val Corbett)

When planning your herb garden, spare a thought for bees and other pollinators who love these aromatic plants even more than we do.

Fill your borders with flowering herbs, such as lavender, borage, rosemary, thyme and mint, which will offer a feast for the senses.

This is also a great idea if you are considering trying beekeeping for beginners, as you will have a ready-made environment in which they can thrive.

The good news is that while precious pollinators love herbs, many pests do not. A number of herbs are mosquito repellent plants, and will help to keep unwanted critters at bay.

6. Add a herb garden to a hanging basket

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Don't overlook the vertical plane when planning your herb garden – hanging baskets can make an enticing, fragrant addition to the garden.

'Introducing crops at eye level and above breaks up the lines and makes the space feel much more immersive and welcoming than if everything were placed on the ground,' says Alex Mitchell, author of Crops in Tight Spots .

'Hanging baskets can be hooked over walls and fences or attached to them with screws.'

Make sure you know how to plant in a hanging basket to get the best result, including a mix of more compact and trailing herbs.

7. Plant a herb jar garden

(Image credit: Future Content Centre)

This jam jar herb garden is so simple yet highly effective and practical – keeping the plants at ideal snipping height, close to the kitchen.

To recreate the idea, you can attach hose clamps to a wooden board.

Using a pencil, mark three points along the piece of wood – making sure they are evenly spaced out.

Screw the hose clamps into the board, leaving the opening wide enough to slip the jars into place. Plant the jars with herbs, then hang in your chosen spot.

If you've caught the crafting bug, then there are plenty of other mason jar craft ideas you can try.

8. Companion plant herbs with your other crops

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Companion planting has been practiced for thousands of years, and is a way of growing certain 'partner' plants side by side for beneficial effects.

Many herbs – such as thyme, lavender, rosemary, oregano and mint – are natural pest repellents, and can help to deter insects that would otherwise seek to feast on your vegetable garden.

They are also valuable for attracting pollinators to your plot. ‘I have success when herbs are planted to attract a wide range of pollinators, which improves the yield, rather than as specific companion plants,’ says Jekka McVicar VMH, of Jekka’s Herb Farm .

‘As herbs heal us they can also heal other plants; for example, chamomile next to an ailing shrub is a natural anti-fungal.'

9. Build raised beds filled with herbs

(Image credit: Future/Leigh Clapp)

Get on board with the ‘grow your own’ revolution by incorporating raised garden bed ideas into your garden. Very easy to install, they are simply a square or rectangle built of wood, metal or brick, which is then filled with soil. 

Raised beds are also a great choice if you aren't able to garden at ground level as you can purchase tall designs that let you garden while standing.

More versatile than planting straight into the ground, raised beds also give you greater control over soil type, condition and nutrients, meaning you can produce a bumper crop of your favorite fruit, vegetables and herbs. 

'Many of our favorites like rosemary, thyme and sage come from the baking hills of the Mediterranean and do best in poor soil. Others, like parsley, coriander, basil and dill are annuals that grow fast and easily,' advises celebrity gardener Monty Don in his blog .

10. Plant flowers and herbs in one border

(Image credit: Future/Leigh Clapp)

You don’t have to have a dedicated herb border or kitchen garden to create your own herb garden. There are plenty of herb garden ideas that don't need a dedicated garden space.  

Growing herbs in a flower and shrub border is a great way to add interest to your garden, providing the space with their delightful perfumes as well as being culinarily productive.

Some varieties also offer benefits to the other plants such as warding off pests or improving productivity. 

11. Add a herb garden planter on the patio

(Image credit: Future/Leigh Clapp)

If you’re short on garden space, perhaps only with a small courtyard or even just a doorstep, you can create a complete herb garden in a single planter.

Terracotta herb planters have various holes that allow you to plant different herbs in separate sections of the same pot. 

Terracotta is a great choice for this type of pot as it is porous, meaning it lets air and water circulate, preventing root rot and soil disease, and keeping your herbs healthy.

Happily there are many container gardening ideas that will enable you to create a lush oasis in the smallest of spaces.

When it comes to potting up your herbs, Jekka McVicar of Jekka's advises potting up a plant one pot-size at a time. 'Going from a 1ltr pot to a 10ltr pot in one go will stress the plant and can quite often kill it,' she says.

12. Display herbs vertically to add interest

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you want to maximize the available space in your garden, then consider planting your herbs vertically. 

There are several different herb garden ideas that can help you achieve this. Upcycling an old wooden ladder is a beautifully rustic way to add height to your garden, creating a striking yet compact focal point that draws the eye and adds interest.

13. Create an indoor herb garden

(Image credit: Ikea )

Vertical gardening is not just for outdoors. Growing herbs indoors is a great option, whether on a sunny windowsill or hanging display. 

Hanging planters from the ceiling is not only a practical way to grow herbs in your kitchen but also adds a botanical flair to your kitchen's design. 

Alternatively, hanging pots on utensil holders or placing them on bookshelves also lets you grow your favorite herbs.

14. Create clever herb garden ideas for small spaces

(Image credit: Getty Images)

How do you start a herb garden for beginners, especially in a small space? Containers are a great way to do so – they are easy to manage and grouped or wall-hung, they look fabulous, too.

'Many herbs grow well in containers, especially ones that spread, such as mint, tarragon and lemon balm,’ says Leigh Clapp. ‘Small, portable pots allow you to move herbs around to suit the season, cover with a cloche, pop in a cold frame or bring indoors in winter.’

'Many herbs are native to the Mediterranean and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Grow a few containers of favorite herbs on the patio, deck or balcony for convenient access for you, and even guests, to harvest and add fresh ingredients to your meals,' advises gardening expert and author Melinda Myers .

15. Store herbs in vintage vases

(Image credit: Getty Images)

‘Keeping herbs close to hand is advisable, as you are much more likely to make use of them while cooking than if they are growing down the bottom of the garden,’ suggests Leigh Clapp.  

Either grow them near the back door, or regularly cut sprigs and place in glasses of water – like you would cut flowers – to ensure you always have your favorites on hand and ready to use. 

16. Grow herbs in windowboxes – indoors or out

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A windowbox is an easy way to grow herbs both indoors and outdoors. Positioned on the kitchen windowsill, it is one of the most convenient ways to grow your favorite herbs – you can go from plant to plate in a matter of a few seconds.

An outside windowbox is ideal if you only have a small (or non-existent) garden. It will add a quaint cottage touch to your home's exterior, and you can even intersperse your herbs with flowers to add interest to the display.

17. Use upcycled, reclaimed and vintage finds for your herb garden

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you’re looking for something a little less formal, your local salvage yard or vintage store offers infinite possibilities for herb garden ideas – from old baths and sinks to chimney pots and troughs.

While no longer fit for their original purpose, these vintage gems look stunning when planted up with herbs.

‘Get creative with recycled and upcycled containers – from wooden barrels to metal buckets; just remember to include drainage holes,’ says Leigh Clapp.

18. Embrace technology for your indoor herb garden

(Image credit: Modern Sprout)

Even if you don't have a green thumb, it doesn't mean you can't grow your own herbs. Modern inventions have completely removed the need for the plastic pot leaking soil on the kitchen windowsill.

Grow-systems featuring integrated lights mean you can grow bountiful herbs in even the darkest galley kitchens. 

While these systems have looked a little space-age in the past, design updates have yielded beautiful designs like the above brass-effect Smart Growhouse from Modern Sprout . 

Not only does it look chic on your kitchen countertop, but its eco-friendly LED light will ensure that you have the heartiest crop for all your cooking needs.  

If you're looking for something simpler – and can't stand the thought of soil in your kitchen – then hydroponics are the way forward. 

While it might sound technical, growing herbs hydroponically is actually one of the most straightforward herb garden ideas. 

Rather than growing your herbs in soil, the plants are grown in baskets suspended above jars of water into which their roots grow. So no need to constantly remember to water your herbs.

Which herbs can be planted together?

The easiest way to know which herbs can be planted together is to work out which ones will enjoy the same conditions. So, herbs of Mediterranean origin (think oregano, rosemary, basil and sage) will like hot, dry conditions in summer; herbs that thrive in cooler climes will enjoy shade and more water. 

One thing to note: some herbs, such as mint and lemon balm, should ideally be grown in pots as they are invasive and can overwhelm other herbs.

How do you start a herb garden for beginners?

If you are a beginner to herb gardening, the best way to begin is by picking perennial, tough herbs like mint, rosemary, sage and thyme, which will not take much looking after and will yield a delicious crop of herbs year after year.  

Another way to tackle herb gardening as a beginner is to choose herbs that will grow happily in the climate in your area. If you have fairly mild or even warm winters, then your herbs will likely continue to grow throughout the majority of the year. 

'Herbs are easy to grow and you’ll be able to harvest them fresh for up to nine months of the year,' says Leigh Clapp.

On the other hand, if you live in a cooler area, especially one that experiences sharp frosts, your herbs will be dormant throughout the winter months. 

However, growing  herbs indoors or in a greenhouse will extend the growing period and mean you can have herbs all year round.

Where should I plant my herb garden?

You should plant your herb garden in the sunniest spot in your garden. Lots of herbs, like rosemary, basil and oregano, herald from Mediterranean climates, so thrive in warm, dry conditions. 

However, some herbs like thyme, sage and borage are more well suited to cooler, damper climates, so will need some shade.  

Consider the needs of the herbs when you are looking at herb garden ideas to make sure you have the right pairings, positioned in the right place in your garden. 

Should you water herbs everyday?

You should not water herbs everyday. You should instead treat each plant individually. Touch the first inch of soil and feel whether it feels dry – if so it will need watering, if not then test again in a few days time. 

As a general rule of thumb, your herbs will need watering once a week. However this depends on where they are planted and the weather – a potted herb grown on a windowsill will dry out much more quickly than a herb planted in a border during a rainy week. 

'My top tip is to water in the morning, but never at night,' advises Jekka McVicar. 'This way you will not send the plant to bed wet when the night temperature drops, so causing the plant to sulk. 

'If you notice the leaves are turning yellow or wilting it is most probably because you have overwatered. if this is the case do not water for a day and see if the plant perks up.'

Is it better to grow herbs in pots or the ground?

Whether it is better to grow herbs in pots or in the ground depends on where you live and the amount of space you have. 

'All the Mediterranean herbs will grow very well in a container if they have a very gritty compost mix. However, do not fall into the trap of forgetting to water them regularly or letting them get pot-bound,' says Monty Don in his blog.

However, growing herbs in the ground is lower maintenance as they will not need watering as often and will not need repotting.

Is it cheaper to grow your own herbs?

It is definitely cheaper to grow your own herbs. 'Growing by seed is the cheapest option and the most rewarding way of raising your own crops,' advises garden expert Leigh Clapp. 'Choose crops that are expensive to buy compared to growing them yourself – for example herbs, such as mint, sage, thyme, parsley and rosemary. '

'If you buy herbs they always come in dainty little pots with even daintier little plants growing in them,' says Monty Don. 'For the cost of a packet of seed you can raise hundreds of marvellous herbs.' 

Herbs grown yourself with be stronger, more vigorous and more flavorful than those bought in the supermarket, which often only last a few weeks at most. A packet of seeds can produce enough herbs to last you for nearly three-quarters of the year. 

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature.  

25 Pretty Herb Garden Ideas

Growing herbs is an increasingly popular hobby, owing to its relative simplicity and the small amount of space needed.

If you’re interested in growing your own herbs, check out these 25 herb garden ideas for inspiration on how you could incorporate these healthy plants into your lifestyle.

1. Herb Potting

An easy way to make an herb garden is by using individual terracotta pots for each herb plant and grouping them together. These pots are readily available at garden centers and hardware stores and are generally low cost. They are suitable for keeping indoors and outdoors, making them very versatile. You could move them outside to encourage growth during warm summer months, and bring them back inside during winter to protect them from the elements if you live in a colder climate.

2. Raising Herbs

Building a raised bed for your herb garden can be as simple or as extravagant as you want it to be. The walled edges can be built from old planks of wood you have laying around, or repurpose old pallets and cut the planks down to size for your raised herb bed. If you’re not into the rustic look, you can buy short fence-like edging strips from home and garden stores, fit them into place and fill the middle with soil to create your raised bed. Plant your herbs, leaving growing room between each one, and remember to label them.

3. Re-Use, Reduce, Recycle

Repurposing old mason jars is a stylish and sustainable way to house your herb plants. It’s very cost-effective and can look quite striking when all of the jars are lined up in a row. You can get creative with the labels, using ribbon and printed tags, stickers, or garden string and handwritten labels for a more rustic look.

4. Round the Twist

Planting your herbs into a spiral design in your backyard is a clever way to ensure the plants are benefitting from optimum growing conditions. All herbs require slightly different treatment, with some enjoying constant sunlight, and others preferring occasional shade. With an elevated spiral, you can plant sun-loving herbs at the very top, to ensure they receive full sun. Plant herbs that like more moisture at the bottom, as this is where water will run down to. Herbs that require minimal water can sit at the top, benefitting from better drainage. Spiral garden beds can also create a visual centerpiece for your backyard.

5. Portable Planters

You can create an herb garden in almost any hollowed out structure that you find in your home or garage. This galvanized oversized bucket makes for an industrial feel for a selection of planted herbs, but you could also house herbs in old watering cans, teapots, mugs, paint tins, or even ice cream tubs. One trick is to drill a hole in the underside of your chosen container to ensure herbs don’t become waterlogged.

Planting all of the herbs together in one portable unit makes easy work of moving them inside or outside depending on the weather.

6. Basket Case

Herb gardens make pretty features within the home, and also contribute to making the air a better quality. Plant up a selection of your favorite herbs in a plastic container, and then place it in a more attractive outer shell for display in your kitchen or dining area. A woven basket makes for a homely, traditional look, while an old wooden wine box or fruit box will lend itself to a more rustic style. You can get creative with your herb garden containers, using paint on old vases or tins to update them and make them complement your decor.

7. Stand Out

A unique looking herb garden can be achieved by simply using various pots that you already own. Mismatched pots housing different herb plants can give a vibrant and colorful look in your kitchen, or outside in your backyard. Using pots of different styles and sizes lends itself to an eclectic look, which you can completely personalize to suit your individual taste. Arrange the pots in a haphazard way to give a casual feel, avoiding symmetry or height order.

8. Healthy Shelf-y Herbs

If you’re tight for space in your backyard, then a shelf is a great solution for a place to keep your herbs. You can hang a shelf from a wall, wooden fence, or even metal railings, to create extra surface space for herb pots and other flowers or plants.

You can buy purpose built garden shelves, or you can build your own with some planks of wood and metal brackets to hold them in place. If you make your own shelves, be sure to treat the wood to ensure longevity. Then simply line up your herbs on the shelves and enjoy.

9. Herb Warming

Herb plants make excellent gifts, especially for housewarming occasions, which are a slight change from the usual gift of flowers or house plants. Select your herb plant with your recipient in mind, by choosing an herb that will complement their taste in food. For example, a fan of Italian food may appreciate a basil plant, while a fish lover might enjoy dill. Wrap the plant in brown paper for a cute but rustic look; brown paper makes perfect wrapping paper as it is stylish and understated, plus completely recyclable, unlike many store-bought wrapping papers. This is a particularly good gift for anyone who appreciates sustainable gifts, as it will continue to grow and be used for months or even years to come.

10. Outdoor Tables

To create more surface space in your backyard, use a table to stand your herb pots on. If carefully positioned to consider sunlight and shadows, you can place the table on top of other plants to maximize space. You could use an outdoor table specifically designed for outside use, such as a treated wooden table, or you could make use of old unwanted furniture from your garage, or from friends or family members. Metal tables make for great outdoor tables as they sustain much less wear from rain and sun, though wooden tables can be used outside, but expect them to look quite rustic very quickly if they haven’t been treated for outdoor use.

11. Corner Creation

Creating an herb corner in your backyard is a good way to keep your herbs separate from other plants and flowers. If you have children or pets who play in your backyard, then select a corner which is tucked away to ensure the herbs are protected. You will also want to choose a corner which is not near a path or area that frequently gets foot traffic. Also, bear in mind when choosing an herb corner that the plants will need natural sunlight, so they shouldn’t be in a corner which will always be shadowed by a fence or wall.

12. Planting Tables

Tables are not just for inside the home, with planter tables being a brilliant solution for people who love to garden but do not want to spend time on their knees to prune the plants. Purpose built planter tables can be purchased from garden centers and hardware stores in various styles and sizes to suit your specific requirements. Planter tables are a good place to create an herb garden for people who enjoy warmer climates all year round. If you experience cold weather with frost or snow during winter, then a planter table may not be a convenient place to house herbs, as it cannot be easily moved.

13. Rooftop Garden

Even people who live in apartment buildings can have outside herb gardens, by planting herbs in pots and placing them on balconies or rooftop spaces. As long as the herbs can enjoy a decent amount of natural sunlight, then they will thrive even in the most unlikely areas. Herbs do tend to be less hardy than many other plants, so also try to ensure they are protected from strong wind or heavy rainfall. They will need to be brought indoors during colder months or adverse weather, so it’s always a good idea to use a portable container to make this transition less hassle, especially if you will be carrying the plants up and down flights of stairs in an apartment block.

14. Hang On

If you are the lucky owner of a balcony, but have limited floor or surface space for herbs, creating a hanging herb garden could be a useful solution. You can create extra space by fixing hooks to your walls from which hanging baskets can be suspended. Alternatively, fix a pole from one side of your balcony to the other in a similar style to a wardrobe rail, and dangle hanging baskets filled with herbs from it. You can use traditional bought hanging baskets, or find ways to suspend pots you already own with rope and hooks.

15. Protective Polytunnel

Polytunnels are an excellent choice for your garden if you want to keep herb plants outside all year round. Polytunnels come in many sizes and are made of polythene, a cheap but hard wearing plastic which will protect your plants from adverse weather, pests, and animals. They also retain heat and create a humid atmosphere, much like a greenhouse, warming the soil for earlier planting and increased growth. Polytunnels can be easily removed when necessary, and reused for other areas of your garden.

16. Balcony Garden

Develop an herb haven on your balcony by covering every possible surface with potted herbs and planters. Introduce fairy lights and soft furnishings in bold colors to give a luxurious and magical feel. The scents of the herbs will contribute to creating an appealing environment where you will want to spend more and more time. Outdoor rugs and cushions will help to make your herb balcony more comfortable, though remember to buy specially designed outdoor soft furnishings, or bring them inside when they’re not being used.

17. Fenced In

This quirky herb garden has taken the idea quite literally, by putting a miniature picket fence around the potted herbs. This is a good example to show how creative and inventive you can get with your herb garden, using it as a way to express yourself and an extension of your identity. Experiment with different ideas, such as using alternative pots, or wrapping containers in wallpaper or fabric for a new look. If you’d like to make your own picket fence for your herb garden, look online for miniature fence panels, or think outside of the box by using dolls house furniture or pieces from your child’s toy collection to create your own mini forest with herbs.

18. Windowsill Wonder

One of the best things about herb gardens is that they are so versatile, and can be made to be so compact that anyone can enjoy one. You don’t even need to have access to outside space to have an herb garden, all you need is a windowsill and some natural light. If you enjoy using s variety of herbs in your cooking, then you could turn a whole windowsill into an herb garden, potting up a row of herb plants. If you’re new to herb growing, start small with something like a basil plant on your windowsill to see how you get on. They are surprisingly easy to grow, with very little attention needed.

19. Growing in Water

Hydroponics is an increasingly popular way to grow plants without the use of soil, which might be very appealing if you don’t like the potential mess of having soil in your home. You can grow herbs in any number of containers, such as plastic cups or glass tumblers. The herbs are grown in a solution of water and nutrients, and it’s fascinating to watch the roots grow through the water if your hydroponics experiment is successful. Grow your hydroponic herb garden on a windowsill or in a greenhouse for the best growth rates.

20. Paint it Green

Making a green wall in your backyard is a real statement, and can be achieved in a variety of ways. Fix wall planters in a desired pattern on your wall and fill with herbs of different kinds for a vibrant green wall. For added impact, you could paint the wall underneath in a bright shade of green, or alternatively paint a striking pattern on it, such as stripes or a geometric design.

21. Vertical Gardening

Vertical gardens are growing in popularity due to the clever use of space they occupy. Vertical gardens can be achieved in a number of ways, by using shelf units lined up on your garden wall, or by fixing pots onto a large vertical metal frame. Although vertical gardens are popular among owners of small backyards, a vertical herb garden can make a great feature even in large gardens. Vertical gardens are also an efficient use of energy; by watering from the top, unused water from highest herbs drains through and drops onto herbs below, rather than being wasted elsewhere.

22. Helpful Herbs

Installing an herb garden alongside the space you use for dining in your backyard can improve your enjoyment of meal times. Not only will the herbs provide a pleasant fragrance for you to enjoy, but by carefully selecting the right herbs, you will be able to keep nuisance flies and insects at bay. Herbs known to repel pests include basil, lemongrass, mint, and rosemary.

23. Tiered Herb Garden

Growing herbs in raised beds on several tiers has both aesthetic and practical benefits. This pyramid style of bed makes it easier to access the top herbs than if they were all flat on the same level, as they would be difficult to reach at the back for pruning and picking without disturbing the herbs at the front. It also enables you to keep different herb varieties separate for easy identification. Similarly to the spherical raised beds, it would be beneficial to place herbs that require less water at the top of the pyramid, as these will drain more quickly while keeping the thirstiest herbs on the lowest tier

24. Gardening with Kids

Herbs are the perfect way to get children interested in gardening. They grow very quickly, so children can reap the rewards of their efforts much faster than when growing fruit and vegetables. Your herb garden for children doesn’t need to be fancy or pretty; it just needs to be safe and easily accessible for small hands. Gardening has numerous benefits for children, improving focus, relieving stress, and encouraging an interest in a healthy diet.

25. Theme It

If you have a particular interest in a certain cuisine, allow your herb garden to reflect this. You could have an Italian themed herb garden, growing basil and oregano, or go for something a little more oriental with lemongrass and coriander. You could decorate your herb garden to match your choice of herbs, with pots colored to match the national flag.

Growing herbs is a cost-effective way to add new flavors to your cooking, while the simple process of successfully growing your own food is a joy and achievement in itself.

15 ideas for setting up your own herb garden at home

Growing herbs at home.

A herb garden can be set up not only in a country house or on a plot near a country house. You can implement such a complex and unusual idea right at home. It will take a lot of effort to create a garden, but the result is definitely worth the effort.


1. Mini garden


Various herbs in one pot. nine0004

The wide pot is perfect for growing small quantities of herbs. Plant herbs in small patches that can be marked with small labels for convenience.

2. Multi-level garden


Multi-level herb garden on the windowsill.

Starting to create their herb garden, some people are faced with the problem of a catastrophic lack of space. To solve this problem, you should use vertical furniture brackets that will help create a multi-level potted structure. nine0004

3. Step ladder


Step ladder garden.

Growing herbs requires a lot of light. Therefore, the best option is to grow them on an insulated balcony. And an old wooden stepladder will help to beautifully place numerous pots with fragrant greens.

4. Cups


Herbs in cups.

Tea cups can be used instead of ordinary flower pots. Rest assured, small bushes of dill, basil, mint, lemon balm and rosemary will look charming in beautiful porcelain mugs. nine0004


5. Glass jars


Herbs in glass jars.

If the right pots are not available, herbs can be planted in small glass jars decorated with nameplates, twine and ribbons.

6. Old crockery


Herb garden in a metal container.

An old trough, pot and bucket are great for planting a herb garden. You can plant herbs in such dishes in beds or make separate large mono-gardens. nine0004

7. Inverted Mini Garden


Growing plants upside down.

An upside-down garden is an opportunity not only to plant your favorite always fresh herbs at home, but also a spectacular decorative element that will surely surprise your family and guests. To implement such an idea, you will need special purchased or home-made pots with inserts that will not allow clods of earth to fall out and crumble.

8. Pallet garden


Vertical garden in a wooden pallet. nine0004

An unnecessary wooden pallet is perfect for growing your favorite herbs vertically on your balcony.

9. Hydroponic garden


Growing herbs without soil.

Hydroponics is the cultivation of plants without soil. By choosing the right substrate and artificial lighting, you can get an excellent harvest even indoors.

10. Vertical garden


Vertical garden in the kitchen. nine0004

Special containers for growing your favorite herbs right in your kitchen. Such a garden is not only a bed from which you can pick a sprig of mint or basil at any time, but also a unique decorative element.

11. Herbs in bottles


Vertical garden in plastic bottles.

The original design of a narrow wooden board and several cut bottles will allow you to grow herbs on the walls of your own apartment. nine0004

12. Hanging pots


Herbs in tins.

Not everyone has wide window sills, and there is always something to put there instead of flower pots, but the space under the ceiling is always free! It is under the ceiling that you can hang small tin cans with your favorite aromatic herbs.

13. Garden in drawers


Herbs in desk organizer drawers.

Another original and very effective way to grow herbs is in the drawers of a small desktop organizer. nine0004

14. Irrigation system


Vertical garden with its own irrigation system.

A charming vertical garden made of cut plastic bottles with a unique watering system that will produce a good harvest without requiring special attention and care.

15. PVC tube garden


Growing plants in a plastic tube.

The plastic tube makes an excellent holder for herb pots or cups. This design can be mounted on both vertical and horizontal surfaces. nine0004

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Ornamental grasses and grasses for garden decoration

Each plant has its own charm. Beautifully flowering perennials delight with color during flowering, ornamental deciduous plants are valued for the unusual shape or color of the leaves. In addition, there is a special group of plants that appeared in our gardens directly from nature. Some of them are still weeds from the beds. But landscape designers managed to give them a special charm, give them the status of "ornamental" and start using them in creating stylish, sophisticated compositions. nine0004

Flowering of cereals and field grasses is fundamentally different from garden forms: instead of large beautiful flowers (roses, dolphins, gladioli), they form a green ear or dark panicle. The stem, which is also the stem of the flower, is very often tall and leafless, and the narrow, linear leaves are collected in a dense root rosette.

A special place in the design of gardens is occupied by vegetation from the south, which has a more peculiar appearance. In temperate latitudes it looks exotic, so it is used to create bright non-standard compositions. nine0004

Interesting. Grasses and lawns growing in nature do not indulge in attention, therefore they remain unpretentious even in a cultivated state. They are sensitive to the slightest care for their person, keep their leaves fresh for a long time and grow quickly.

Landscape applications

There are several possible uses for ornamental grasses. Firstly, they are planted as an addition to the more visible representatives of the fauna and emphasize their greatness. In this version, they give volume to the composition and fill the empty space. Less conspicuous green leafy plants with dense foliage will do. nine0004


Herbs in composition with conifers

Secondly, grasses can also dominate the garden. For this, however, it is necessary to choose species with an attractive appearance: with a lush panacea, colorful leaves and an unusual rosette shape. The plants chosen as the basis are planted in a group on a green lawn, and the rest of the vegetation is located at some distance from the center of the composition.


Pampa grass as the dominant element of the composition

The most interesting decoration with ornamental grasses is the herb garden. He collects several species, differing in appearance and structure of plants planted in small groups. Each species is assigned a strictly defined territory in order to prevent its mixing. The garden can be arranged in different ways: as a Mexican garden, a flower garden, or in any other order.


Ornamental grasses in the meadow

Mixborder with herbs

Tip. A herb garden is a fairly complex project that can take several years to complete. You can start with a mixed flower garden, where garden plants are gradually replaced by herbs. nine0004

Herbs and herbs are excellent material for decorating slides and alpine rocks. It looks natural among rocks, and their root system is well adapted to the development of difficult soils. Most grasses are comfortable in tight spaces and are therefore often used as bulk crops.


Fairy tale with herbs

Types of ornamental grasses

Like all plants, ornamental grasses react differently to the composition and moisture of the soil, as well as to the degree of shading of the site. While most species prefer open, sunny, and moderately humid locations, they can be found as plants that tolerate semi-shady, moist soil. When choosing vegetation for your garden, you should consider all these points. nine0004

Take a look at the best ornamental plants for the garden:

Drought tolerant grasses

Feather grass is very durable. Its silky, armored buds sway like waves in the wind.

They go well with dried flowers: xerus, immortelle, winged amoeba. Cannabis is grown by sowing seeds once in a permanent place, because it does not tolerate transplants very well. Watering is not necessary, unless after germination, so that the young shoots get stronger. nine0004

Tip. It is better to buy matte herbaceous perennials for summer cottages. In the spring, they germinate earlier than their annual counterparts, which take quite a long time to germinate from seed.

Elimus bluestem is a perennial with long (up to 1 m) linear leaves of bluish-blue color.

Forms dense decorative rosettes, grows quickly and quickly captures new territory. Some gardeners have found an easy way to control the growth of elimus. They break into the ground a container with a cut bottom (for example, an old plastic bucket), fill it with soil mixed with sand, and place a seedling in it. nine0004

Fescue grows well in dry places. It looks like a fescue, but forms a more compact shrub with thinner and slightly shorter leaves.

Interesting varieties of fescue with gray and golden leaves, although green fescue is also desirable.


Imperative and Fescue

One of the great advantages of this plant is its high frost resistance. The bushes will survive the winter under snow without losing color.

Fluffy studded high heels look elegant almost all summer long. In nature, this perennial grows up to 1.5 m in height. nine0004

In colder climates, it cannot survive cold winters and is therefore grown annually. It is used as part of mixed gardens and for decorating stone gardens.

Sod or bluegrass develops well on soils of any acidity and composition. It forms a low green mound with a rare structure rising above it, but with numerous panicles. When the pike bush is "bald", the plant is dug up, divided into several parts and transplanted. nine0004

Tip. To make the meadow look neat, it is recommended to cut it. Removing the panicle will help prevent unwanted self-seeding.

Plants for wet areas and ponds

In the event that it is necessary to green up a pond, artificially created swamp or stream, you can plant sedge.

Ornamental varieties of this plant differ from their wild counterparts in more beautiful and graceful leaves. Varieties with yellow leaves and white longitudinal stripes are especially effective. nine0004

Perennial miscanthus rare in temperate latitudes.


Chinese Miscanthus (Miscanthus chinensis)

She is unusually moisture-loving and thermophilic. The growing season begins only after the air warms up to 25 ° C. Miscanthus grows slowly and reaches its peak of beauty only at the age of 5-6 years. But the waiting time is fully justified, because the tall erect stems crowned with large fluffy panicles of silver or reddish color are quite spectacular. Long leaves are also decorative, which may have transverse or longitudinal light stripes. nine0004


Chinese Miscanthus Zebrinus

Tip. At the end of summer, the lower part of the bush loses its attractiveness. This disadvantage can be easily hidden by planting a hosta at the foot of miscanthus. Both plants love moisture and get along well.

A variety of reeds do not like only moisture - they are planted in shallow natural and artificial reservoirs.

Compared to industrial varieties of cane, its decorative varieties have a capricious disposition (like a beauty who knows the advantages over a simpleton). The tough green leaves have distinct golden or white streaks that give the common plant an unusual look. nine0004

The tall, bare stalks of the lake reeds are an ornament in themselves.

They look very natural on the edge of the pond next to yellow clams and white water lilies floating in the water. Particularly decorative, there are cultivated reed species with unusually colored leaves and stems.

Varieties of speckled reed:

Shade-tolerant grasses

Multi-layered coniferous forest grows well in semi-shady places, creating lush bushes from 60 cm to 1 m high. Boron blooms with greenish inflorescences in the form of rare panicles. Flowering time from mid-May to early June. nine0004

Japanese grass or Hakonechloa major forms dense thickets with narrow linear yellow-green leaves.

Tolerates shade easily but can also grow in full sun. It is used to create high borders along the paths, in the decoration of the coastline of artificial reservoirs.

One of the few shade-tolerant grasses is shorthair reed.

Its vertical shafts topped with silver turrets reach 1.5 m in height. It is used to create screens on garden plans and as a back wall in mixed gardens. nine0004

The tail of a hare is called large fluffy thorn-like inflorescences resembling a trembling hare's tail.


They are based on thin, leafless stems up to 60 cm high, very showy. The plant is not afraid of frost and grows equally well in both sunny and semi-shady places. Dry bouquets are made from truncated hare inflorescences.

The most spectacular perennial herbs for the garden

Pampas grass or Cortaderia has an expressive appearance.

Its decorative element is high fluffy panicles fluttering in the wind like flags. Cortaderia outshines the most colorful horticultural crops and is used as a showy solitaire. Pampas grass is very thermophilic and grows well mainly in the southern regions. It's a pity, but in the gardens of the middle zone, the plant can suffer from low temperatures even under cover.

Cylindrical Imperata impresses with unusual coloration of tall narrow leaves: the lower part of the leaf blade is dark green, and the upper part is blood red. nine0004

Imperata is used to decorate mixed gardens and create individual picturesque shrubs.

Blue Molinia forms low dense mounds with dense light leaves.


Blue Molinia variegata

Looks beautiful in the foreground of the flower bed and on the border. Dense rosettes of long leaves look beautiful against the backdrop of ponds. Particularly prized are plants with variegated foliage, which in themselves can be a striking element of the garden. nine0004

The ever-popular reed (canary) grass is also popular with landscape lovers.

Its rather varied leaves look attractive in combination with other herbs, as well as on their own. Falaris blooms with small flowers, which in many cases are pruned before flowering. The ornamentation of the spotted leaves of the Canary Island plant more than makes up for its average bloom.

Tall grasses for the garden

Tall grasses are used as sleepers for oppressed ornamental grasses. They are used to divide the garden into zones and create a hedge around the perimeter of the site. Basically, these are perennial and annual plants, the stems of which are left for the winter in open ground to create winter compositions, and in spring they are mowed under the roots. nine0004

Tall grasses:

There is another plant, tall and crested.

It does not have an upright stem like the herbs on the list: long linear leaves fall to the ground in tall green waves. Spartina grows rapidly, stabilizing the soil at the edge of a pond or on a slope. The stems and leaves are frost-resistant and remain viable after prolonged autumn frosts. It is used as an accent element in landscape flower beds. nine0004

The basic secrets of growing ornamental grasses

As a rule, herbaceous plants are unpretentious in care and do not need any special conditions for normal development. They do not need to be fed with fertilizers and provide abundant watering (except for moisture-loving species). Excessive fertilization leads to growth, the bushes can no longer maintain their shape and fall apart.

Perennial herbs can be propagated by dividing their rhizomes. This is done in spring or summer before flowering. If it was not possible to propagate the plants before the onset of a strong heat wave, it should be postponed until the end of August, when the temperatures drop a little. nine0004

The main purpose of herb care is to keep the flower bed decorative. In late autumn or early spring, wilted stems are cut and last year's leaves are removed - sometimes just sweeping the bed with a fan rake is enough. As it gets warmer, new shoots will grow to replace last year's shoots. Undergrowth.

During the growing season, we cut out dried inflorescences that can spoil the overall picture. In some cases, it is better to cut the dried plants at the root to encourage the growth of fresh herbs.

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