Basil bounty
I love basil for its fragrance and versatility. I cook with it and use it fresh as a garnish and in salads and drinks. Basil also makes a great tea for a tummy ache. Too bad it’s not a perennial.
Ceci Jaso, Lompoc, CA
Time for thyme
My favorite herb is thyme. It’s very useful in the kitchen, comes in several flavors, and makes a nice ground cover in a rock garden. I love to walk through the garden, brush through the thyme, and fill the air with its aroma.
Barbara L. Rexford, Bonners Ferry, ID
Rosemary rave
I grow a large rosemary plant in a container on my patio. I use this herb often in cooking, especially on salmon. I also use rosemary water on my long hair to make it more shiny. I put a few sprigs in a cup of hot water and let it steep. When it cools, I put the water in a spray bottle and use it in the shower when I wash my hair.
Terri Cooter, Oklahoma City, OK
Chive champion
I enjoy chives because they are easy to grow, the plants last for years, and I can use them in a variety of recipes.
Louise Gagnon, Auburn, MA
Lovely lavender
I plant lavender everywhere because it’s very drought tolerant and it smells delicious when you brush against it.
Sheila Fry, Keno, OR
Kitty’s choice
My favorite herb to grow is catnip. I like the way it smells, and I use it in tea. It’s a little taste of the garden for my three indoor cats‹they can’t resist it.
Heather Cross, Columbus, MT
Mighty mint
I plant chocolate mint in its own garden bed so it can spread at will. I use it to brew coffee: I add 1 to 2 teaspoon of dried mint to my two scoops of coffee for a wonderfully flavored and scented cup of coffee every morning. The best thing about it is that it doesn’t have any added calories!
Barbara Stanley, Blairsville, GA