The family of herbaceous plants is an extensive group of diverse plants. Many are inexpensive to procure, indulgent about growing conditions and reward us in so many ways. Herbs are multi-functional, and include many morphologies not normally thought of when one thinks of herbs. The functionality of herbs can be seen in many plant families including some vines, mosses, cacti, succulents and even trees, such as the Camphor tree.

Herbs have been in usage for at least 5000 years, as recorded by Egyptian writing. These plants are friends of man and plant alike. Some of their many uses are medicinal, culinary, cosmetic, as natural insect repellents, ground coverings and in potpourri, wreaths, scented gardens, perfumes, and dyes.

Herbs often attract natural pollinators to the garden, such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, which contribute to the production of fruits, vegetables and seed in the garden. Lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena, pineapple sage and others are lovely as air fresheners. For centuries, Lavender flowers have endowed soaps, sachets and perfumes with the odor of sweet Lavender.

Over the years, many unique designs for planting herbs have been developed. At one time, the planting of herbs was quite functional. Kitchen or culinary herbs were planted closest to the doorway of the dwelling. A bit further away the tea herbs were planted. An area was set aside for an organized planting of the medicinal herbs. The herbs used for cosmetic uses and dyes were planted at the outskirts of the garden.

One imaginative planting of herbs is the Elizabethan knot garden, which has a very geometric pattern rectangular rows of herbs organized by use and interlocked by the method of pruning. The pruning causes the various types of herbs to weave over and under each other in distinct patterns.

Sometimes herbs are planted to create a scented garden, which can be used for potpourri, sachets, pillows, aromatherapy and simply enjoying a walk through the fragrant garden. Other herb plantings are more ornamental combining the golds, variegates, blue-grays and purples of herbs in monochromatic displays, or in aesthetic combinations with other plants as well.

For those without much garden space, herbs can be grown in strawberry pots, as topiaries, espaliers, and hanging baskets, which can be brought in to the house for special occasions. Plants such as rosemary and others can be trained in a classic topiary the single pom-pom atop the stem, or several pom-poms at various heights of the plants. Espaliers can be made from bending wire into shapes like hearts, Christmas trees or any desired design. The plant is then trained along the curves of the shape and pruning facilitates the desired shape.

For centuries, the succulent, Sempervivum tectorum was grown with other herbs due to a belief in its protective qualities against thunder and lightening. Sempervivum tectorum is still grown along with herbs, but now mostly for its interesting shape.

Some herbs prefer sandy soil, some prefer more moist and fertile soil. Herbs prefer a pH of 6 to 7.5. Consult your local nursery or gardening authority as to methods to correct your soil, if necessary. One way to start the herbs off right is to freshen the soil at the beginning of the growing season with additives, such as bone meal, fish emulsion, kelp and compost. Good drainage is very important. The intensity of light is quite important to herbs most grow well in southern exposure. Preferable is at least 6 hours of light some prefer partial shade or dappled shade.

Herbs can also be grown on windowsills. Good drainage is essential. The plants should be allowed to dry between waterings. For best growth in windowsill gardening, at least 4 hours of light daily is necessary preferably morning sun. The windowsill garden can be fertilized once a month with 1/2 strength fertilizer.

Enjoy your VIVA!® Herbs!