Growing herbs means you'll always have a fresh supply of delicious flavors and pleasant scents whenever you need them. Many of these plants are also quite attractive, especially when carefully selected and arranged to show off their beauty, as in this plan. This classic herb garden idea features several easy-to-grow aromatic plants that are pleasing to the eyes and nose alike.
The design echoes a theme used by medieval monks for their apothecary gardens: a circle around a cross. A sundial in the center of the bed is also a traditional element and acts as an elegant focal point. You can use the stepping stone path to easily access and maintain the plants around it. Harvest the herbs just before they bloom for the best flavor.
Plants for Creating the Classic Herb Garden Plan
- 3 Creeping rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis' Prostratus'): Zones 7-9
- 1 Sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Berggarten’): Zones 5-8
- 1 Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Zones 4-9
- 4 English thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Zones 5-9
- 3 Boxwood basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Boxwood’): Annual
- 1 Dill (Anethum graveolens): Zones 2-11
- 3 Curly parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Annual
- 1 Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Zones 4-8
- 3 Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum): Zones 4-8
- 1 Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’): Annual
If you can't find the exact cultivars listed above, substitute with others with similar colors, shapes, and sizes. And because some plants can become overly aggressive and spread out of control in certain climates, always check which species are considered invasive in your area before finalizing your herb garden ideas and plans. For example, fennel is problematic in many coastal regions of the country, but cutting off flower clusters before seeds ripen helps keep it contained.
Get the Free Classic Herb Garden Plan
The garden plan for this design includes an illustrated version of the planted garden, a detailed layout diagram, a list of plants for the garden as shown, and complete instructions for installing the garden.