This very attractive Basil has masses of tiny, brilliant green leaves which are less than 1cm (1/4 in) long. It has a compact tight growing habit, forming a perfect spherical shape without pruning and is, therefore, very attractive in a pot. It has a subtle, sweet flavour and is wonderful in Italian as well as other dishes. It is tender and grows well outside in warmer weather in full sun or partial shade in moist but well drained soil, but also grows well inside in a sunny position all year round.
Height 45cm (18ins), spread 30cm (12ins).

Rich, show stopping, purple coloured leaves make this a very attractive plant as well as a very useful herb. It has an uplifting, punchy, clove-like flavour which is good in many dishes, but also makes a wonderful purple pesto. Pinch out the flowers to aid leaf production. It is tender and grows well outside in warmer weather in full sun or partial shade in moist but well drained soil, but also grows well inside in a sunny position all year round.
Height 45cm (18ins), spread 30cm (12ins).

This herb is otherwise known as Star Flower or Bee Bush, the later name due to the fact that honey and bumble bees are attracted to the bright, starry blue flowers which appear through June and July. With its hairy stems and leaves it is an attractive asset to any garden. It is a fast growing annual but will self-seed and colonise an area. Its cucumber flavoured leaves are good in tea and other beverages, and the pretty blue, edible flowers are good for garnishes.
Height 50-100cm (18-36ins), spread 5cm (18ins).

It is also known as Artichoke Thistle and was an old Victorian favourite used as a blanched vegetable like celery. It is a theatrical plant with striking silvery, thistle-like foliage which can be cut and, with careful preparation, the stalks make an unusual additional vegetable. In summer tall flower stems appear with fat thistle buds, like small globe artichokes and these open to large purple thistle-like flowers which are very attractive to bees, and left uncut make a feature in the winter.
Height 2.4m (6-7ft), spread 90cm (3ft).

A double flowered selection of Roman Chamomile, with a creeping habit which is delightful when grown as an ornamental, mat forming, ground cover or edging plant. It has finely dissected, strongly aromatic leaves and produces fluffy, creamy-white flowers in early summer. Its leaves can be used in tea or other culinary dishes, or it can be grown as a lawn. Grow in a hot, dry, sunny position.
Height up to 15cm (6ins) spread indefinite.

This variety of chamomile makes a fine alternative to grass in positions where mowing would be a problem. However, it must be only where foot traffic is light, and after planting as a lawn there should be no footfall for at least 12 weeks, then only very light for the first year. This variety has dark finely divided leaves and is a non-flowering form so can only be propagated by division but there will be no flowers to be removed. For a lawn, plant 10-20cm (4-8ins) apart in an open sunny site with light soil. Very low growing.
Height 5-10cm (2.5-4ins) Spread 20cm (8ins) and more.

This is a self seeding annual with ferny delicate leaves and aster type flowers in July and August. They have a central yellow disc surrounded by white petals and smell of apples. It is made into a herbal tea which is used to calm, feed and soothe the nervous system and is also good for the digestion. The young, bitter shoots are used for seasoning. Needs a sunny position and can thrive in poor soils.
Height 15-30cm (6-12ins).

This hardy perennial herb is ideal for edging herb gardens. Slender green stems up to 40cms tall produce attractive mauve flowers early to mid-summer. It has a mild onion flavour for use chopped in salads, soups and potato salad. Plant in a bright location in moist soil. Ideal for use in tubs and pots.
Height 40cm (16ins).

They have also been known as Chinese chives as they have been recorded 4 to 5,000 years ago in China. Grown for its flat, grass-like leaves which taste and smell of garlic. It produces clusters of star-like flowers which are attractive to butterflies and which can be eaten or dried and used in flower arrangements from summer into autumn. Ornamental plant which can make a good border to a herb garden or be used as a dense ground cover plant in a sunny site.
Height 40cm (15ins).

Cilandro or Chinese Parsley. All parts are edible and the fresh leaves and seeds are the most frequently used part. The lower leaves are broad and scalloped with a strong scent and the new upper leaves are finely cut with a pungent smell. It is widely used, especially in curries. Clusters of small white flowers appear in summer. Plant in a sunny position and keep moist otherwise it will run to seed.
Height 60cm (2ft).

Easy to grow Asian herb used extensively in S.E. Asian cooking where the fresh leaves are scattered over soups and in salads just before serving. They have a hot, spicy taste. The narrow, pointed, highly aromatic leaves are green with maroon-brown v-shaped markings. In hot summers, small creamy-white flowers appear in summer through to autumn. Protect from frost in winter, so best lifted before the first frosts. Grows well in containers.
Height 45cm (18ins), spread indefinite.

Dwarf, aromatic, evergreen, attractive plant with narrow, woolly, deeply dissected, silvery leaves. In summer in produces yellow, button-like flowers. Plant in a sheltered, sunny position in well drained soil. Crushed leaves can be used to repel insects, or it is taken for digestive problems, jaundice and muscle spasms.
Height to 50cm (18ins), spread 50cm (18ins).

This hardy evergreen perennial herb has small, eye-catching, narrow silver foliage with a spicy, curry fragrance, but a bitter flavour. Yellow clusters of flowers are produced in the summer and the foliage offers good winter colour. Makes an excellent edging plant in full sun in well-drained soil and is also ideal for tubs and pots.
Height and spread 30cm (12ins).

This hardy evergreen perennial herb has narrow silver foliage with a spicy, curry fragrance but a bitter flavour. Yellow clusters of flowers are produced in the summer and the attractive foliage also offers good winter colour. It prefers full sun, in well-drained soil but is also ideal for tubs and pots.
Height 75cm (30ins).

This plant is registered for Plant Breeders' Rights. Propagation by unlicensed growers is prohibited.

A biennial herb that will freely set seed if allowed. Finely cut feathery leves can be used in salads and soups or as an alternative garnish to Parsley. The seeds can be used whole for pickling or ground to flavour meat, fish, egg, cheese and vegetable dishes. Dill prefers a well-drained soil and its attractive foliage and yellow flowers can be a usefull addition to a mixed border.
Height 60-90cms (24-36ins).

Graceful yet handsome plant with wonderful feathery bronze foliage which looks beautiful in a sunny border. Gives off a delightful aniseed fragrance in sunny weather. Pick leaves regularly for fish dishes, finely chopped for salads, or they can be used by flower arrangers. Spectacular yellow flowers followed by highly aromatic seeds. Good in a kitchen garden where they attract beneficial insects, but plant away from beans, tomatoes or kohl rabi.
Height 1.5-2m (5-6.5ft), spread 90cm (3ft).

Graceful yet handsome plant with wonderful feathery mid-green foliage which looks beautiful in a sunny border. Gives off a delightful aniseed fragrance in sunny weather. Pick leaves regularly for fish dishes, finely chopped for salads, or they can be used by flower arrangers. Spectacular yellow flowers followed by highly aromatic seeds. Good in a kitchen garden where they attract beneficial insects, but away from beans, tomatoes or kohl rabi.
Height 1.5-1.8m (5-6ft), spread 90cm (3ft).

Fast growing, mounding, clump forming plant from the daisy family, with beautiful chartreuse-yellow foliage. Good edging plant. Single, white, daisy-like flowers in summer. A short lived perennial but will self-seed readily. Plant in full sun. It is used frequently to prevent migraines.
Height 30-45cm (12-18ins), spread 25-30cm (10-12ins).

A very attractive plant with semi-evergreen, linear, aromatic leaves. In summer and early autumn it will have spikes of two lipped, tubular pink flowers which are attractive to bees and butterflies. Plant in a sunny position in well drained neutral to alkaline soil. Cut back hard in spring so the plant does not become woody. Can be used in pot pourri, sparingly in salads, in medicine and to make a low hedge.
Height and spread 60cm (2ft).

A very attractive plant with semi-evergreen, linear, aromatic leaves. In summer and early autumn it will have spikes of two lipped, tubular white flowers which are attractive to bees and butterflies. Plant in a sunny position in well drained neutral to alkaline soil. Cut back hard in spring so the plant does not become woody. Can be used in pot pourri, sparingly in salads, in medicine and to make a low hedge.
Height and spread 60cm (2ft).

Also known as Sweet Balm this hardy perennial herb is heavily scented and the dried leaves are commonly used in pot pourri. It is also a popular herbal tea as well as being a good culinary herb with fish and salads. It will tolerate most soils types and is ideal for use in tubs and pots. The creamy white to pale purple flowers produced in the summer are atrractive to bees and butterflies. Cut back hard after flowering to promote fresh leaf growth.
Height 60cms (24ins).

This is a very large, erect herbaceous perennial, with leaves which look and smell like celery. It produces yellow flowers in the summer. It should be planted in sun or partial shade and as it is a prolific self-seeder, seedlings should be weeded out unless there is plenty of space for more plants. All parts of the plant are useful – dried leaves for tea, their stalks can be candied like angelica or blanched and used as a vegetable, young leaves can be used in salads, soups, stews and potato dishes, and the roots can either be cooked as a vegetable or grated and eaten raw – nothing need to go to waste!
Height 1.8-2.5m (5.5-8ft), spread 1m (3ft).

Fast growing annual or biennial which will produce vivid orange, daisy-like flowers over a long period from late spring to autumn. Deadhead the flowers to increase flowering potential, and pinch out the terminal shoots to give the plants a bushier form. Leaves are aromatic and can be added to salads. Flower petals are a very good culinary dye and are also good in salads and omelettes, or can be made into an interesting tea. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor but well drained soil. Will self seed but not become invasive.
Height 30-60cm (1-2ft), spread 30-45cm (1-1.5ft).

Very attractive, easy to grow herb with aromatic, green, slightly hairy leaves and heads of tiny purple-pink flowers in summer. New growth should be cut back to near the ground in winter leaving a mat of foliage. Use leaves fresh in many dishes, or they can be dried or frozen. Flowers can be cut for flower arrangements. Good antiseptic and medicinal herb.
Height and spread 45cm (18ins).

Very attractive semi-evergreen, easy to grow herb with aromatic, soft green, slightly hairy leaves. Heads of tiny purple-pink flower buds in spring with white flowers in summer. Excellent flavoured leaves. New growth should be cut back to near the ground in winter leaving a mat of foliage. Use leaves fresh in many dishes, or they can be dried or frozen. Flowers can be dried as they open for flower arrangements. Good antiseptic and many medicinal uses.
Height and spread 45cm (18ins).

Very vigorous plant with roundish, hairy leaves with a scent of combined mint and apples, so more subtle than some mints and good in cooking. The heavily aromatic leaves are good for mint sauce, jelly or julep and flavouring vegetables and many dishes.
Height 50-100cm (18-36ins), spread indefinite.

Very similar to spearmint but with more menthol it has a distinctive flavour and smell. Attractive brownish red stems and spear shaped rich green leaves. White flowers in summer. Any soil and prefers a position with sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.
Height 4cm (16ins), spread 1.5m (4ins) and more.

Tall growing, hardy perennial herb with bright green curled leaves with excellent flavour for cooking. Decorative long spikes of lilac flowers are produced in late summer which are attractive to bees and butterflies. Prefers rich, moist soil in a shaded position. It is also ideal for tubs and pots. Excellent for mint sauce and iced teas but can also be used to flavour new potatoes and peas. Its upright stems are good for swizzle sticks.
Height 1m (3.3ft), spread 1m (3.3ft) and more.

The most widely grown mint with dark green pointed leaves with serrated edges. The heavily aromatic leaves are good for mint sauce, jelly or julep and flavouring vegetables and many dishes. Spikes of purple flowers in summer.
Height up to 1m (3.3ft), spread indefinite.

The slightly furry deep green leaves give off a wonderful citrus-mint scent. In summer it produces beautiful spikes of lavender-blue flowers, which are good for cutting. This variety is not as invasive as some mints. Any soil and prefers a position with sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.
Height 30cm (12ins), spread 45cm (18ins) and more.

Vigorous, upright variety with attractive leaves, which are slightly silvery-grey as the light catches them. Produces lilac flowers in summer. It has a delicate, fruity aroma and is good for garnishing sweet or savoury dishes and for making fruit tea. It is less invasive than most mints. Any soil and prefers a position with sun the morning and shade in the afternoon.
Height 60cm (2ft), spread 45cm (18ins) and more.

Lush, dark green, slightly crinkled leaves on attractive red stems. The delicious floral overtones make this mint good in fresh salads, pastas and soups or in cold lemonade. When dried it is good in pot pourris and for making tea. Lavender-lilac flowers in late summer. As many mints, it is invasive.
Height 40-60cm (1.5-2ft), spread 60cm (2ft) and more.

Small, oval green leaves, tinged purple and pale purple flowers in late summer. Its lemon scent and flavour make it great with fish and chicken but it is also good in tea or lemonade.
Height 35cm (14ins), spread 60cm (2ft).

Oval, green leaves with a hint of purple, then small purple flowers in late summer. The leaves have a lime scent and flavour and are excellent in salads, fruit salads or on fish and chicken dishes. Makes a good herbal tea and is refreshing when added to lemonade.
Height 40cm (16ins), spread 60cm (2ft).

Up until about 2005 this mint was rare to find outside Cuba, but in Cuba it was used to make Mojitos Cocktail. Its large, oval, crinkled leaves have a citrusy flavour which is mild and sweet. An interesting mint with other uses than cocktails – in salads and summer fruit drinks.
Height 60cm, (2ft), spread 60-90cm (2-3ft).

Very vigorous, but compact, plant which is undoubtedly the best mint for making mint tea with its clean flavour but also a good culinary mint. This variety is very popular in Morocco. The heavily aromatic leaves are good for mint sauce, jelly or julep and flavouring vegetables and many dishes.
Height 60cm (24ins) spread 60cm (24ins).

Attractive silver-grey downy leaves which have a peppermint scent. The long spikes of mauve flowers, which are attractive to beneficial insects, are good for flower arrangements. This mint is very ornamental and is often used as an ornamental plant and with its spreading habit is good for ground cover. The leaves are good for mint sauce, in Indian curries, with lamb and potatoes.
Height 45-60cm (18-24ins), spread 60cm (2ft) and more.

This variety has smaller than average, bright green leaves for mint and these have a hint of strawberry making them excellent in summer drinks, and makes good tea. It is fast growing, sturdy and compact and its lilac, edible flowers are good for garnishes.
Height 5cm (18ins), spread 1.5m (4.5ft).

This is sometimes called Swiss Ricola Mint. It has slender, light green leaves with toothed edges on slightly hairy stems then violet-mauve flowers which are attractive to bees and butterflies in late summer. Its intense, light, refreshing flavour make it good for peppermint tea.
Height 1m (3ft), spread 1m (3ft.)

A colourful half-hardy annual with very attractive orange flowers from summer to early autumn. Deadhead the flowers regularly to prolong the flowering season. Round green leaves. They prefer well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. The seeds, flowers and leaves can all be used and they have a strong peppery flavour.
Height and spread 30cm (12ins).

Bunching onion. Compact bulbous perennial, with linear strap-like leaves with strong aroma of onion/chives. Remains green and usuable most of the year. Creamy white, bell-shaped flowers in umbels on leafless stems in mid-summer. Easy to propagate by division. Plant in full sun or partial shade.
Height 5-100cm (18-36ins), spread 10-50cm (4-18ins).

Easy to grow herb. Dark green leaves with pink tinge underneath, slightly hairy and aromatic. Very decorative pink/mauve flowers in summer. Good with tomato dishes, other vegetables and milk based desserts. Cut back to near the ground before winter. Flowers are attractive to bees. Height and spread 45cm (18ins).

Attractive, bushy, deciduous perennial with green leaves, edged cream. These have a strong flavour and are good in Italian, Greek and Mexican dishes, and also good with tomatoes and garlic. In summer and early autumn pretty loose sprays of tiny pink flowers make the plant very ornamental. Plant in full sun or partial shade and is ideal in tubs or pots.
Height and spread 10-50cm (4-18ins).

Attractive, bushy, deciduous perennial with bright golden-yellow showy leaves. These have a strong flavour and are good in Italian, Greek and Mexican dishes, and also good with tomatoes and garlic. In summer and early autumn, pretty loose sprays of tiny pink flowers make the plant very ornamental. Plant in full sun or partial shade and is ideal for tubs or pots.
Height and spread 10-50cm (4-18ins).

Easy to grow herb. Dark green slightly hairy leaves turn pale green in summer. Dainty white flowers in summer. Hot spicy flavour. Good with tomato dishes, other vegetables and milk based desserts. Cut back to near the ground before winter. Flowers are attractive to bees. Height and spread 45cm (18ins).

Best known of all garnishing herbs. Aromatic, fresh-flavoured, brightish green leaves, with curled and toothed edges. Small cream-white flowers in flat heads in summer. Grow in rich, moist soil in sun or partial shade. Use stalks in stews or add chopped leaves, cooked or raw, at the end of food preparation to keep the flavour.
Height 30-40cm (12-16ins), spread 30cm (12ins).

Best known of all garnishing herbs. Flat, dark-green leaves are stronger in flavour to curled parsley. This variety overwinters better as the flat leaves shed the rain or snow. Small cream-white flowers in flat heads in summer. Grow in rich, moist soil in sun or partial shade. Use stalks in stews or add chopped leaves, cooked or raw, at the end of food preparation to keep the flavour.
Height 90cm (3ft), spread 45cm (18ins).

Extremely useful, well used herb. Vigorous variety with large, plain, flat leaves which have a delicious flavour and help shield the plant in the winter months. It has endless uses in the kitchen -soups, stews, salads, sandwiches, bouquet garni and is great for garnishes and to store it freezes well. The stalks can be used in stews and the copped leaves should be added at the end of food preparation to keep the flavour. Flat heads of small cream-white flowers appear in summer. Grow in rich, moist soil in sun or partial shade.
Height 30-80cm (12-30ins), spread 45cm (18ins).

This is otherwise known a Mountain Spinach and was grown in ancient times before spinach. In hot summers it is preferable to grow to spinach as, unlike spinach, it is unlikely to bolt. The attractive red leaves on red stems can be eaten raw in salads when young or steamed like spinach when older. The seeds are edible or are used to make blue dye. This variety self-seeds readily. Grow in partial shade in rich soil.
Height 1m (3ft), spread 30cm (1ft).

Useful annual salad variety with tasty peppery flavoured leaves which grow stronger in flavour as they age. Use as a ‘cut and come again’ crop, and in the summer cover with fleece to protect from flea beetles. The flowers are yellowish at first then slowly turning white with purple veins in summer. Grow in full sun or partial shade.
Height 60cm (2ft).

Slower growing with thinner and much longer leaves which have a stronger flavour than Salad Rocket. Very popular salad ‘cut and come again crop’ which continues to produce leaves over a much longer period than other varieties. To protect the leaves from flea beetle cover with fleece in summer. Grow in full sun or partial shade.
Height 60cm (2ft).

Evergreen. Very aromatic narrow grey-green leaves with white undersides. Pale blue flowers smother the old wood in late spring, then intermittently until autumn. Makes an excellent informal low hedge in a sunny position. Very useful culinary herb. Not suitable for cold sites. See Hedging section for prices.

This variety has a chunky upright habit with bright green, needle-like, evergreen foliage. It is fast growing and produces two lipped clear blue flowers up the stems from spring into summer. It is an excellent culinary variety and acquired its name as it is good for growing near a BBQ where stems can be cut and tossed onto the coals of the fire producing a wonderful fragrance. Apart from its many cooking uses of the leaves, the stems can also be used as kebab skewers.
Height 1m (3ft), spread 60cm (18ins).

An elegant, semi-prostrate variety with upright curving branches which will be covered with two lipped violet-blue flowers right up the stems from early spring into summer and these are very attractive to bees. The needle-like evergreen foliage is dark green and these very aromatic leaves are used widely in many dishes. Sprigs from the tips are excellent with meat and fish, or the fine needles when chopped are good in stuffing, cakes, biscuits, jams and fruit salad. Plant in a sunny position in well-drained soil and due to its habit is good planted on a slope or in a large container.
Height 50cm (20ins), spread 90cm (36ins).

A compact, erect form with narrow, dark green, needle-like, aromatic evergreen leaves which are whitish beneath. In spring and summer it will be covered with two lipped blue flowers which are attractive to bees. The leaves are useful in many dishes, from meat and fish to stuffing, cakes, biscuits, jams and salad. Plant in a sunny position in well-drained soil. Due to its growth habit this variety will make a good hedging variety.
Height 1-1.5m (3-4.5ft), spread 1m (3ft).

A semi-weeping variety with aromatic bright green evergreen leaves and a profusion of two lipped pink flowers right up the stems in spring and summer which are attractive to bees. The leaves are useful in many dishes, from meat and fish to stuffing, cakes, biscuits, jams and salad. Plant in a sunny position in well drained soil.
Height and spread 1m (3ft).

A fine leaved form of Rosemary with rich, dark green, evergreen foliage. In spring and summer it will be covered right up the stems with pretty, two-lipped pale blue flowers which are very attractive to bees. The aromatic leaves are useful in many dishes, from meat and fish to stuffing, cakes, biscuits, jams and salad. Plant in a sunny position in well-drained soil. An upright habit which makes the plants good for hedging.
Height and spread 80-100 cm (30-40ins).

An upright form with grey-green, highly aromatic, needle-like evergreen foliage. From spring to summer the branches will be smothered with two-lipped, lavender-blue flowers which are attractive to bees. The aromatic leaves are useful in many dishes, from meat and fish to stuffing, cakes, biscuits, jams and salad. Plant in a sunny position in well-drained soil. Its upright habit which makes the plants good for hedging.
Height 1.2m (4ft), spread 1m (3ft).

Upright to rounded, dense and bushy form with deep green, needle-like, evergreen leaves which are grey felted underneath. From spring into summer the branches will bear masses of two-lipped, white flowers which are attractive to bees. The aromatic leaves are useful in many dishes, from meat and fish to stuffing, cakes, biscuits, jams and salad. Plant in a sunny position in well-drained soil.
Height and spread can be variable but mainly 1m (3ft) x 1m (3ft).

A relatively hardy evergreen which should be planted in a warm, sunny location in well drained soil which does not get waterlogged in the winter. Will need protection in very severe frosty weather. In summer it will have striking cerise flowers and these and the leaves can be dried to make pot pouri. The aromatic leaves give off an amazing blackcurrant perfume and these can be used in stuffings, with fruit salads and in fruit pies.
Height 1.2m (4ft), spread 90cm (3ft).

Hardy evergreen with soft, textured green leaves which are highly aromatic. Attractive purple flowers in hot summers. The most widely grown, very popular variety.
Sage has good healing properties especially for problems in the mouth and throat, and is a very useful culinary herb if used with discretion. Works as a preservative as well.
Height 30cm (12ins), spread to 90cm (3ft).

Evergreen sub-shrub with oblong, aromatic leaves 3-6cm long, which are grey-green with attractive cream variegation. 2 lipped, pale purplish flowers in summer on terminal racemes which are attractive to bees. The leaves are used in stuffings and with various meat and fish dishes. Although hardy it may need some protection in periods of heavy frost. Plant in well drained soil in a warm position in full sun or partial shade.
Height 50cm (20ins), spread 1m (3ft).

Sometimes known as green topped sage, this colourful annual is grown for its colourful bracts which are borne on upright stems from mid-summer until the first frosts. These are blue, pink and white. Plant in full sun. An infusion of the leaves can be used to make an antiseptic gargle.
Height and spread 50cm (18ins).

Very ornamental sage with foliage which, when crushed, smells heavily of pineapple. The leaves can be used in cakes and fruit concoctions or to make a herbal tea. The nectar rich red flowers appear on 3cm spikes in late summer and autumn and these when cut look and smell wonderful. Plant in fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun. May need protection in cold winters when it may die down but shoot again in the spring.
Height 1m (3ft), spread 60-90cm (2-3ft).

Hardy evergreen with soft, textured green leaves which are highly aromatic. Attractive purple flowers in hot summers. A most ornamental form with unusual dusty-purple foliage and mauve-blue flowers in summer. Very attractive if planted alongside silver-leafed plants.
Sage has good healing properties especially for problems in the mouth and throat, and is a very useful culinary herb if used with discretion. Works as a preservative as well.
Height and spread 70cm (28ins).

Evergreen sub-shrub with very attractive, oblong, grey-green leaves with cream variegation and flushed purple on new growth. Forms a very ornamental low mound with light blue flowers in early summer which are attractive to butterflies. Plant in a sunny position in well drained soil, but will need protection from heavy frosts in winter. Good planted in a container which can be brought in during the colder winter months. Useful herb which can be used in stuffing or with various meat and fish dishes.
Height and spread 30cm (1ft).

Dark green, spicy, peppery, linear leaves are excellent in bean dishes, and can be substituted for coriander, basil or oregano when these are not available. Crushed they help to alleviate itching from bites and stings. Small, pinkish-white flowers in summer.
Height 30cm (12ins), spread 20cm (8ins).

An erect, perennial plant in the celery family, with fern-like, bright green leaves and umbels of small white flowers in early summer which are followed by spindle shaped, aniseed-scented fruits. All parts of this plant can be eaten. The chopped fresh leaves can be added to salads, soup or omelettes, or they can be used as a zero-caloric replacement for sugar, or they can be steamed and eaten like spinach. The stalks can be used as celery and the roots boiled or eaten raw. The flowers which are rich in nectar are valuable to bees. If seedlings are not wanted, remove the seed heads before they ripen as ripe seeds germinate readily.
Height 1.2m (4ft), spread 50cm (18ins.)

French Tarragon has the best flavour of the Tarragons, but is the most tender so will need protection in the winter. It is a half-hardy perennial with smooth, dark green, long, narrow aromatic leaves and tiny, yellow, insignificant flowers in summer. It is in the Rolls Royces of culinary herbs with its strong, distinctive flavour and is used with chicken, veal, fish, stuffed tomatoes, salad dressings and is the main ingredient of béarnaise sauce. Plant in a warm, dry, sunny position and renew the plants every 3 years as the flavour deteriorates.
Height 90cm (3ft), spread 45cm (18ins.)

This hardy evergreen perennial herb with bright green lemon scented golden foliage is an excellent culinary accompaniment with vegetables but also offers great winter colour in tubs, pots and rockeries. Small pink flowers appear in late spring to summer which are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Height 23cm (9ins), spread 23cm (9ins).

A very decorative creeping Thyme with neat dark green foliage. Very free flowering with a mass of rich mauve-pink flowers which are very attractive to bees and butterflies. Virtually maintenance free as it only needs the spent flower heads trimming off. The leaves are larger than some creeping thymes so not only is it very attractive but is a good culinary variety as well. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height 5cm (2ins), spread 40cm (16ins).

Most widely grown Thyme, with upright habit, thin green, aromatic leaves and mauve flowers in summer. A good garden plant with flowers attractive to bees and butterflies. Leaves are good in many varied forms of culinary dishes. A good antiseptic and anti-fungal herb.
Height 30cm (12ins), spread 20cm (8ins).

This thyme is one of the best for summer colour with its bright crimson flowers over small bronze-green evergreen leaves in May and June. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. With its creeping habit it is good in rock gardens, herb gardens, front of a border or planted between pavers as it emits a wonderful fragrance when trodden on. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height 7cm (2.5ins), spread 20cm (8ins.)

Evergreen, spreading sub-shrub with small, shiny, aromatic green leaves with attractive, irregular cream variegation. Short spikes of tiny purple-pink flowers in late spring and early summer which are attractive to bees and butterflies and should be trimmed back after flowering. Excellent for winter colouring as the leaves take on tints of pink and bronze. Good versatile culinary herb with many uses and as the leaves are softer than some thymes they are easy to chop and not chewy if used raw. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height 20cm (8ins), spread 15cm (6ins).

This variety was introduced by the famous herb grower, Jekka McVicar, and is one of the best to grow for both ornamental and culinary qualities. It is evergreen with a neat, compact, mounding habit and produces masses of pale purple-pink flowers in early spring, then when these are trimmed back it will quickly flower again. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. For culinary use it has a wonderful flavour which is best if the leaves are trimmed before flowering. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height 20cm (8ins), spread 15cm (6ins).

Evergreen sub-shrub with fairly large green leaves which emit a strong lemon scent when brushed against. This variety is an excellent culinary variety as it is good with savoury dishes such as chicken and fish, but is also good with desserts. Produces pink-white flowers in summer which should be trimmed off after flowering. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height 20cm (8ins), spread 15cm (6ins).

Very attractive evergreen, sub-shrub with small green aromatic leaves. A creeping mound forming habit which makes a good edging plant with its arching habit. Also is excellent to grow in a pot. The leaves have a sweet, lemony fragrance which is good in both savoury and sweet dishes. It produces lilac-pink flowers in summer which should be trimmed off when finished to keep the plant neat. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height 15cm (6ins), spread 15cm (6ins).

Extremely pretty, small, evergreen sub-shrub with variegated green and gold foliage. It has an upright but spreading habit and the foliage has a delightful lemon scent and has many culinary uses from savoury to desserts. From red buds it produces dainty lavender pink flowers in summer and these are attractive to bees and butterflies. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height 15cm (6ins), spread 15cm (6ins).

Creeping evergreen sub-shrub with dark green leaves and producing lilac-pink flower throughout the summer which are attractive to bees and butterflies. These should be trimmed off when finished. The leaves have a fruity, lemon flavour and are good in many savory dishes and stuffings and also in fruit salads. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height and spread to 25cm (10ins).

This is a strong, fast growing variety with a looser habit than some thymes. It is an evergreen sub-shrub with silvery-grey aromatic foliage which smells strongly of oranges when bruised. It is a good culinary variety which can be used in savory as well as sweet dishes. In summer it produces white to lilac pink flowers which have lots of nectar and are, therefore, very attractive to bees and butterflies. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height and spread to 20-30cm (8-12ins).

An evergreen, creeping sub-shrub with soft, woolly, aromatic green leaves. This variety was discovered as a seedling at Wisley and has long lasting, two lipped pale pink flowers on terminal heads in June and July which are attractive to bees and butterflies. Very drought tolerant and is good on rockeries, in herb gardens, edge of borders or planted in between paving where it will emit a wonderful fragrance when trodden on. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height 5cm (2.5ins), spread 20cm (8ins).

A semi-prostrate, evergreen sub-shrub with aromatic golden leaves which emit a wonderful lemon fragrance when crushed. They have many culinary uses and are particularly good in salads. Pretty pink flowers from darker buds are produced in summer and these are attractive to bees and butterflies. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height 15cm (6ins), spread 20cm (8ins).

Very pretty silver-green variegated leaves, tinged pink underneath. Pink flowers. A good garden plant with flowers attractive to bees and butterflies. Leaves are good in many varied forms of culinary dishes. A good antiseptic and anti-fungal herb. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height and spread 30cm (12ins).

Bushy, very attractive, evergreen, sub-shrub with small, aromatic, dark green leaves edged creamy-white which have a rich thyme scent and are great for culinary use. Clusters of tiny mauve flowers in June and July which are attractive to bees and butterflies. Once established this variety is very drought tolerant. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height 25cm (10ins), spread 40cm (16ins).

Mat forming, evergreen sub-shrub with finely hairy trailing stems with lemon scented small mid-green leaves. Whorls of two lipped dainty white flowers appear in the summer and these are attractive to bees and butterflies. Good for planting at path edges where they will spread onto the path then give off a wonderful perfume when walked on. Also good on rockeries and in the herb garden. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height 5-10cm (2-4ins), spread 50cm (18ins).

Mat forming, vigorous, evergreen sub-shrub with large, rounded green leaves which are highly aromatic. Clusters of lilac pink flowers over a long period in summer are attractive to bees and butterflies. To keep the plant neat trim off dead flower heads after flowering. Good on rockeries, in herb gardens or on the edge of a path where it will creep onto the path and give off wonderful a wonderful aroma if stepped on. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height 10-15cm (4-6ins), spread 25cm (10ins).

A very vigorous, low growing, evergreen which is grown mainly for its very attractive, tiny, woolly grey-green leaves. To encourage a dense habit the edges of the plant should occasionally be trimmed back. It produces dainty pink to purple flowers in summer. An ideal variety for planting at the side of paths and in between cracks in paving as it does not mind occasional treading under foot and will give off a wonderful fragrance when bruised. It is also good on rockeries and in the herb garden. Plant in a sunny position in light, poor soil. If the soil is heavy it will be less aromatic and will not flower so well.
Height 2-5cm (1-2ins), spread 30-60cm (12-23ins.)

A fascinating and unusual plant to grow as it will grow to 2m (6ft) in one season producing leaves which are tinged magenta when young. It is commonly cultivated in Central America and Mexico where it is a valuable vegetable crop. The young leaves can be eaten raw in salads where their magenta colour make an attractive addition, or when older they can be cooked as spinach, or in melted butter when they will keep their magenta colour. 60% of the foliage can be harvested without damage, in fact, it will become bushier and healthier when heavily cropped. Plant out after danger of frosts in well composted soil in sun or partial shade. At the end of the season it will produce silvery seed pods which can either be saved and the seed sown the following season, or they can be left to self seed.
Height 2m (6ft), spread 60-90cm (2-3ft).

An attractive, tender, deciduous sub-shrub with narrow lance shaped leaves. These are the most lemony flavoured of all herbs and make a delicious herbal tea with a strong lemony flavour with a hint of ginger. Harvest the leaves regularly to make the plants bushy. Tiny white to pale lilac flowers in summer. Plant in a sheltered position in full sun, or in a large container which can be taken into a frost-free position in the winter.
Height and spread 1.5-2.5m (4.5-7ft).