by Jen Power

Created on: August 29, 2008

As long as you have a spot with plenty of sun, you can landscape with herbs. Most herbs are easy going plants that don't need much attention besides the occasional watering when the weather gets hot. Even better, they tend not too be too picky about soil quality either. These qualities make herbs a good choice for a low-maintenance landscape.

As I said before, most herbs like well drained soil and a sunny spot. Mint is the exception to the rule, preferring a little more water and partial shade. Catnip likes the same conditions, which isn't too surprising when you consider they're in the same family. Mint will cover a whole lot of ground if you let it some gardeners even consider it a weed because it can get so invasive.

There are so many different varieties in the mint family that you could landscape a whole bed only with them! They come in different leaf textures and colors and even in different scents and flavors! My personal favorite is apple mint, though chocolate mint comes in a close second. Speaking of flavors mint makes an excellent tea, and is absolutely necessary in mixed drinks like capirhnas or mojitos. It is also reputed to drive away mosquitoes, as is catnip. Though I think it pays to be careful with the catnip.

Rosemary is an easy going and sun loving herb that looks great in a landscape. Be careful to give it plenty of space though. The little plant you buy at the nursery will turn into a proper shrub if grown in the right conditions. My mom made the mistake of planting a pair of rosemary plants too close to the entryway of her side garden and now has to whack them back every few months!

Lavender is another low-maintenance sun lover. It too will get enormous if given enough sun and space. Lavender, as well as rosemary, is good for keeping away flies, so you can bring some indoors to hang in your kitchen if they're proving to be a problem. It will also smell delicious for months, so it's worth bringing inside whether flies are pestering you or not.

Chives like a little more water than lavender and rosemary, but they still do well in full sun and don't need much attention. They also spread like crazy instead of having the shrubby habits of lavender or rosemary, chives act more like groundcover. They also reseed themselves every year. Chives are also a good companion plant since their scent drives away aphids. Luckily, their taste and smell is more attractive to humans. Chives, both onion and garlic, are delicious on baked potatoes and cooked into many dishes.

Low-maintenance landscapes can be more than just simple to care for: they can look, smell and taste lovely too. Use herbs in your landscape and create a delicious easy-care garden!

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