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It is that time of year when daydreams begin for the wonderful spring season. This year, why not consider an herbal garden, which can be both visually stimulating and aromatically pleasing?
Exactly what makes a garden an herbal garden? Herbs are plants that are essentially grown for their unique flavor or aroma. Herbs have played an important part in history from romance to religion to health even to superstition. Most herbs can be grown in a sufficient quantity in a relatively small area, making herbal gardening an option for everyone including many indoor gardeners. The attractiveness of many herbs as an ornamental feature can also make them fit well into any landscaping, border planting, or flower garden.

In general, most herbs will grow satisfactorily under the same conditions of sunlight, soil, and watering as vegetables. Check the appropriate local guidelines, a few herbs are sensitive to certain conditions. Sage, for example, requires a well-drained soil, while parsley grows best in a considerably moist soil. It is important to note that most herbs are shallow rooting and may require organic material added to the top " of the soil.

A nursery may have over 70 different herbs to select from; some such as sage have 20 different variegations itself. Herbs can be classified by use, but may fit into more than one classification. Choosing which herbs for the garden can be part of the fun.
Culinary herbs are probably the most widely known and used. Because of the strong flavor most have, they are used in small quantities or as a mere garnish. The most popular by far is a parsley garnish, but other culinary herbs include sage, chives, thyme, savory, mint and basil.
Aromatic herbs are pleasant-smelling flowers. The oils from these herbs, such as mint, rosemary, and lavender, can be used in bath water, or the herb dried used in sachets.
Ornamental herbs have brightly colored flowers that attract butterflies and fit nicely into any landscape, like Valerian with bright crimson blossoms or lavender with violet coloring. Mint and chives also produce interesting colorings.
Medicinal herbs have some curative attribute associated with them. There is a danger in using herbs medicinally, since some can actually be toxic if not used properly. However, the value of adding garlic to the diet is well known. Other beneficial herbs are St. Johns Wort, sage, and Valerian.
Herbs may be annual, biennial or perennial. Annuals need to be replanted yearly, biennials come up for two seasons,

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