Summer is officially here! It’s hot, humid and the bugs are having parties on my exposed skin when I go outside. (why is it if there is a mosquito within 50 miles he will find me?! )
But, what I love most of all about Summer is gardening. My vegetable garden is coming along nicely, and I will blog about that later this week. But, one of the things I enjoy growing the most is herbs.
Here in North Carolina, I am able to keep an herb garden for most of the year. Right before a hard freeze, I will cultivate as many of the herbs as possible, then chop and freeze them.
But, what I love most of all about Summer is gardening. My vegetable garden is coming along nicely, and I will blog about that later this week. But, one of the things I enjoy growing the most is herbs.
Here in North Carolina, I am able to keep an herb garden for most of the year. Right before a hard freeze, I will cultivate as many of the herbs as possible, then chop and freeze them.
Growing herbs is incredibly easy. Even if you do not have garden space, you can grow a “window ledge” herb garden….or use a Strawberry planter as seen above. A container such as this will provide plenty of herbs to use in your day-to-day cooking.
These are the staples of my garden. But, this is just the tip of the iceberg lettuce (so to speak) LOL. This year, I planted fennel, marjoram and lemon balm.
Herbs are also beautiful when added to your landscaping. In front of my home in the flower beds, I have a tall rosemary plant on a tmetal trellis, a pot of creeping thyme…and I also have a Bay topiary.
Don’t you just love these potted herbs in this sunny window seen above?
I love the idea of using salvaged items to grow your herb garden, such as the galvanized tub above. Containers such as these are perfect for growing “themed” gardens. For example, try planting an “Italian” herb garden with Basil (there are several varieties), oregano, thyme, parsley and rosemary.
Finally – I just had to share this precious container. It is filled with lettuces, but what a darling container for herbs. Next time you go out on a “junque” trip – try to find a unique container to plant a few herbs.
I love the idea of using salvaged items to grow your herb garden, such as the galvanized tub above. Containers such as these are perfect for growing “themed” gardens. For example, try planting an “Italian” herb garden with Basil (there are several varieties), oregano, thyme, parsley and rosemary.
Last year, I tried my hand at a Salsa Garden. Along with cilantro and chives, I added in some cherry tomato plants and jalapeno peppers.
I love this stacked container garden. This is made by simply threading a length of metal rebar through the holes of the pots.
(this same look is really pretty when planting with vinca and other flowing flowers)
If you are a tea drinker, try planting chamomile, mint, spearmint, etc.
* I highly recommend that when you plant any herb in the mint family, that you use a container. The mint varieties of plants are prolific spreaders, and will quickly take over your whole garden.
Finally – I just had to share this precious container. It is filled with lettuces, but what a darling container for herbs. Next time you go out on a “junque” trip – try to find a unique container to plant a few herbs.
You will never know if your thumb is green until you get it covered with dirt! 🙂
Happy Gardening……Barb
Don’t Forget on Wednesday……!!!!
I am hosting the Porch and Patio Party….so get your porches, patios, porticos and even your gardens ready. Mr. Linky will be up by 8pm or sooner tomorrow night. I look forward to seeing everyone’s posts.
Please use one of the logos provided, so everyone will know you are participating in the Party, and also please link back to the Event host, Grits and Glamour, so everyone can view all the participants. As always, I thank you for joining in.
southerninspiration says
If ALL those pics are pics of yours, I am duly impressed. If only half of them are your pics, I am still impressed…..everything looks fabulous….you must have TWO green thumbs!! 🙂
Suzanne
View CommentKathy says
Hey Barb! I was out planting flower seeds to go around my new birdhouse and came in for lunch and peeks at blogs, LOVE the Radio Flyer wagon with the lettuces!!! could that be any cuter? I have a tiny one that’s antique with childrens blocks in it that would be too small,but what a fun thing to keep my eyes peeled for, Happy gardening to you too, xoxo~Kathy @Sweet Up-North Mornings…
View CommentDiane @ Four Paws and Co says
Loved all the pictures & wonderful ideas. Now I really NEED to find a wagon – the Radio Flyer is just too cute for words! ☺ diane
View Commentmarty39 says
Oh wow Barb, I ran and got Jim and told him to come look. We both think these containers are just gorgeous. Jim especially starred at them to see what you had planted and how you put them together. They are just beautiful. I really love them. Hugs, Marty
View CommentCrystal says
Everything looks fantastic. I just love your creativity, even with the outdoors. What great ideas for containers and gardening.
View CommentThanks for sharing!
Crystal
xinex says
Beautiful unique containers, Barb. Great tips. Love your herb garden!….Christine
View Commentmbkatc230 says
Thanks for some great ideas Barb. I especially love the wagon – DH saw me looking at that and oohing and aahing. I think he just ran out to hide the wagon they take to swap meets lol. Kat
View Commentprof en retraite says
You sure do have some great ideas there, Barb! I especially love the pots stacked on the metal rod! Now to find a rod and figure out how to drive it into the ground!! I’m still dogsitting my DD’s 6 dogs! Yikes! Her computer won’t cooperate with me, so I have to run home to comment! My porch is questionable for the party. 🙁 Hope you are having a great week!…hugs…Debbie
View CommentBlue Creek Home says
Great timing! I am getting ready to plant some herbs in containers in our courtyard and I love the strawberry container idea a lot.
View CommentI had a neighbor that let her mint get out of control. The whole neighborhood helped her harvest it! Sure makes some good ice tea.Thanks. Rhonda
Dana and Daisy says
I love those stacked pots with the rebar connecting them!
I need to cut my rosemary. I know it will grow even better, but it is such a pretty shape right now I hate to snip it!
View CommentReally Rainey says
Herbs are something that grows really well here in the hot sun of Arizona… we don’t get to enjoy tomatoes or zucchini all summer cause it gets so burning hot the flowers don’t set fruit! So spring it our veggi growing season… But my herbs are growing well and they weather over all year! I can’t wait to see your garden! Hope your week is off to a wonderful start!
View Comment~Really Rainey~
Miss Janice says
These look awesome…I need to plant some herbs ‘cuz I love using them while coooking!
View CommentAllidink says
Those ideas are so fabulous! I love fresh herbs! Different herb gardens (Italian, Salsa) is such a cute idea!
All the best,
View CommentAllison
susan says
I love that first picture with all the different pots. I love growing herbs and know what you mean about the mint–However, I killed all of mine last year :)–now what does that say about me? Our wedding is over and I hope to be here for the porch and patio party tomorrow!
View CommentLaura says
Hi Barb-
This is a wonderful practical post on herbs.
I am embarrassed to say that the herb I have the most difficulty with is cilantro, and cilantro is used in just about every South Texas food.
I just had a bunch die again.
Help!
Laura
View CommentSusan S. says
You definitely have a green thumb and I love all the ideas for themed herb gardens. I hope its not too late for me to start a herb garden. It’s been SO hot here in Houston I’ll have to make sure they don’t burn to a crisp!
Love you ideas of fun and different containers…especially the Radio Flyer wagon.
View Commentkahlanne says
Let me first say that I love your blog and have for a while. As for this post, such inspiration. Each picture just kept getting better. I even think I might try one or two of these ideas. Thanks.
View CommentDebbie @ ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com says
Hi Barb, I can’t wait for the party! Yipeee. I was so impressed by the last one you had, I knew I just had to be a part. I got so many ideas from the ladies on the last one you hosted…I was very visually stimulated! hahahaha…woohoo…so I can’t wait!
View CommentBlessings,
Debbie
Barb I remember visiting with you years ago on the Country Sampler community…I was Debbie/Calif…I visited your Everday Decorator all the time….I was thrilled when I realized who you were!
Cindy says
Wonderful pics, so inspirational! Cindy
View Commentlaurie @ bargain hunting says
So much inspiration in this post! Love the wagon! laurie
View CommentTroy @ I Refuse To Recede says
I loved this post. Our herb garden is still a work in progress, and so is my blog, but I was fascinated to see what you have done, and hope someday to have both my herbs, and my blog as nice as yours.
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