Ornamental Herb Gardening – How to Beautify Your Garden with Herbs

Herbs are most commonly thought of as a flavor enhancer for our favorite cuisine or as a possible cure provided by nature for whatever is ailing us. However, herbs have another use that is just as important as seasoning and medicine; they provide an element of beauty that can be matched by no other.

With all the different varieties of herbs, there are some that are best left to being grown for use in potpourri or used as a tasty treat as their beauty is not quite splendorous. However, the list of herbs that display beautiful foliage is long and hardy and ready to bring a splash of color to any landscape.

One such herb ready to beautify any garden is the Hyssop. This plant is a hardy perennial that can grow to a height of two feet. The Hyssop features a delightful array of blue flowers and emits an aromatic fragrance to tantalize the senses. This herb is commonly used as a base for a tea and features a dwarf variety and other breeds that produce pink flowers as well.

Everyone is familiar with the sweet smell and taste of the herb known as Licorice. While this herb is an excellent tool for making delicious treats, it also makes a beautiful addition to any garden. The Licorice plant features elegant lightly colored gray-green fuzzy leaves and thrives well in a garden or basket environment. This sun loving plant works well in soil that is well drained, however, if not brought indoors at the onset of winter will only last for one season.

Although the herb Oregano is most thought of as a wonderful seasoning for Italian cooking, there are a couple of variations that while not recommended for the chef’s table are a perfect colorful addition to any window box or home garden. The first, entitled the Dittany of Crete, is a plant which features wide fuzzy leaves and produces a fantastic pink flower. The second, entitled Variegated Oregano features smaller, thinner bush-like leaves and adds an elegant beauty to any garden.

The most popular herb planted in gardens for its sure beauty and fragrant aroma is the Lavender plant. This plant makes for excellent ground cover in any garden as it features leaves with a serrated edge and delicate purple flowers. Another appealing aspect to the Lavender plant is that it is a perennial, so year after year you will enjoy all the elegant beauty and hypnotic scent this plant has to offer.

The next ornamental herb comes in a variety of breed types such as dwarf and regular. Myrtle is a hardy herb that can grow to a height of several feet. Considered a tree, the Myrtle features dark green leaves and petite white flowers that offer a fine, light scent. The dwarf version is another beauty which features yellow and green leaves on the stem of the plant.

The next herb on the list is Chamomile. This herb is most commonly known for its use in producing a soothing and relaxing cup of tea, however, this plant features a gorgeous daisy-like flower that is sure to brighten the landscape of any home garden.

Even though Basil is most recognized as a tasty seasoning, its grand foliage makes it a perfect addition to a garden or basket. Basil features purple foliage and pink flowers making its beauty as tantalizing as its taste. Another version of Basil entitled Minette, features the ability to fill a garden bare spot with its bush-like appearance.

Not only do herbs make excellent additives to our favorite cuisine or that added extra medicinal boost to our bodies, they are also a wonder of nature whose beauty will enliven and invigorate any garden or home.

         

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