Garden Herbs

Offering respite from the fast-paced and often stressful workweek, a garden is one of the great joys of life. Perhaps you think a garden is too much work. Not really, as almost everyone can manage an herb garden.

If you're lucky enough to have a large space, you can landscape with garden herbs. However, many of your staple cooking herbs can be grown on a balcony or even in a sunny window. Just think, your very own garden herbs can be preserved in herb butters and vinegars to use when snow is on the ground. Fresh garden herbs beat the pants off purchased supermarket "fresh" herbs and dried versions in jars.

Not a fussy plant, garden herbs typically like well-drained soil and dislike overly wet conditions. Given at least six hours of daylight -- mint, parsley, rosemary and thyme can do with less -- they thrive in containers.

A "strawberry" pot is an ideal way to house several herbs in a compact space on a sunny balcony.

Along with some food matches, following is a short list of culinary garden herbs adaptable to balcony, garden, or windowsill cultivation.

Basil

Used in pesto, with cheese dishes, salads and especially (made in heaven) with tomatoes, sweet basil comes in several varieties.

Chives

In addition to snipping chive leaves for use in dips, omelets or a garnish for baked potatoes, you can also add its leaves and flowers to salads.

Marjoram And Oregano

True oregano is best suited to provide a real punch, such as chili and many Greek dishes while its shy cousin, marjoram, is good in dishes combined with other garden herbs of a subtle nature.

Parsley

Although it is often underrated, not only does parsley add sheer delight to any dish, it is packed with vitamins A and C. Use profusely!

Rosemary

A time-honored combination - parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Rosemary, a terrific heart tonic, is especially good in stews, on roasts and grilled potatoes.

Sage

Sage, unlike many herbs, retains its fragrance over hours of cooking. For a heavenly result, separate poultry skin from meat and rub between with melted butter and sage. To combat digestive problems due to fat, use sage in stuffing, pork and sausages. Pasta and pizza are also sage-friendly.

Tarragon

Tarragon must be purchased as a plant, as seeds will not produce true French tarragon, which is the only aromatic variety for cooking. Although tarragon does not partner well with most garden herbs, it can be used in potato salad, chicken, fish and seafood dishes.

Thyme

Another garden herb best purchased as a plant, as varieties vary widely, rub the thyme leaves between your fingers to find an aromatic scent you like. Thyme combines nicely with other herbs and goes well in a range of dishes.

Year-round Enjoyment

When you have an abundance of garden herbs, pick extra, and make herb butter. To make herb butter, soften a cube of butter, mix in finely chopped herbs, and then refrigerate briefly to harden enough to shape into a roll. Herb butters can be frozen for later use in pasta dishes and sauces, or sliced for use on bread.

For year-round enjoyment, garden herbs will fill the bill.