Today while trying to keep ahead of the weeds in my garden, my hand brushed against herbs planted nearby. The perfume of the rosemary and the earthy smell of thyme were pleasant reminders that these ordinary, but very special, plants have become an essential part of my gardening experience.

Low-growing herbs are great to use as a border along a flower bed, and all herbs have colorful blooms that intermingle nicely with flowers and vegetables.

Also, there are many perennials on the long list of available herbs that will give you the pleasure of their company for years to come.

Many have properties that have been used to drive away certain garden pests and then go into the kitchen to flavor sauces, meats and salads:

♦The “h” in herb is silent except when you are using the word as a nickname for Herbert. He might not appreciate being called “urb.”

♦The definition of the word “herb,” according to the Encarta World English Dictionary, is: “A culinary and medicinal plant: a low-growing aromatic plant used fresh or dried for seasoning, for its medicinal properties, or for perfumes.”

♦A very short list of familiar annual herbs in our area are: basil, nasturtiums, rosemary, heliotrope, marigolds, scented geraniums — and believe me, the list goes on and on.

♦An equally short list of perennial herbs for our area are: sage, coneflowers, lady's mantle, lamb's ears, dandelions, sweet woodruff, yarrow, thyme, lavender and mints — and again, this list is just scratching the surface of herbs grown in our gardens, many of which are our favorite flowers (and some we consider weeds).

♦When planting, most herbs prefer full sun and a compost-rich soil mixture. Then, water often until the plant is established. Although they have the reputation of being able to grow in any type soil, it is still best to amend the soil and give them a good start.

♦When choosing new plants, give herbs serious consideration because they top the list of plants that can withstand hot, dry summer weather.

♦Mint comes in many forms and fragrances and is a highly desirable herb, but it is best to plant it in a container to control its rapid growth.

♦Herbs can be cut to use fresh or for drying. Cut early in the day just above a growth node and as the flower buds first appear for maximum flavor and fragrance.

♦As with any plant, it is not a good time to prune when it is hot and dry and the plant is under stress from these conditions.

Here are a couple of interesting stories about how herbs were used in days gone by:

♦A hardy evergreen herb is hen and chicks. It was believed to have been a gift from Jupiter as protection against lightning, thunder, fire and witchcraft.

Because of this, the plant was considered a form of fire insurance, and Charlemagne ordered one plant to be grown on the roof of every house.

♦Nosegays (or tussie-mussies) made of herbs were once a popular item with the ladies in the 16th century and were used to mask objectionable odors. Today, but not for the same reasons, we hope, brides still carry a nosegay (the bridal bouquet) to the altar on their wedding day.

As you can see, herbs go back to the beginning of “thyme.” Each has a story to tell, and if you have a desire to know more, there are as many books and publications on the subject as there are herbs.