Dill, Fern Leaf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .landscape
Anethum graveolens var.
Annual
This unique dwarf plant stands 18" tall. The foliage can be used fresh in salads and as a garnish. The seeds of this plant have a much stronger flavor than the leaves and are used whole or ground. This variety has extended uses for the dill lover. It goes well with fish, poultry and many kinds of vegetables. Since this plant is a dwarf variety, it does great in a planter for the kitchen. Fern Leaf Dill prefers moderately rich, well-drained soil and full sun. It was an All-American Selection in 1992.

Dill, Hercules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Anethum graveolens var.
Annual
The best fresh leaf variety around! This slower flowering plant earns a place in the herb garden for your favorite fresh leaf dill recipes. Don’t forget the seeds for your whole or ground recipes also. The succulent bluish-green foliage and yellow blooms are also a wonderful addition to any garden. Hercules dill grows to 18" tall and prefers well-drained soil with full sun.
..............Not available for 2009.

Dill, Super Dukat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Anethum graveolens var.
Annual
Leaves and seeds provide a distinctive flavor and aroma to a wide range of culinary favorites, including pickles, breads, potatoes, fish, dips, and spreads. Plants grow 12-18" and are attractive in the garden. This dill has a higher essential oil content than other varieties. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

Eucalyptus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .landscape
Eucalyptus cinerea
Zone 6
With rounded silver-blue leaves and a height of 24", this is wonderful as an accent plant. After enjoying this plant in your garden, one can prune it back, dry it and use it for different craft ideas. Its unique color, sturdy texture and distinctive fragrance make this a great plant for potpourri, wreaths and other arrangements. Eucalyptus prefers light, loamy soil and full sun. TENDER PERENNIAL

Fennel, Bronze. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Foeniculum vulgare dulce ‘Rubrum’
Zone 6
This is a wonderfully decorative form with lacy, bronze-red foliage. It can grow as high as 4 –6' tall. Fennel is a softer and nuttier version of anise. The foliage can be used in salads and makes for an interesting garnish. The stems of fennel should be used like celery. Seeds can either be used whole or ground and go wonderfully with fish, rice and even in baked goods. To harvest the seeds, one must make sure that they are brown and not yellow-green. Place the seeds in a paper bag and store in a warm, dry area for further drying. Fennel is an annual in our area, but it reseeds readily. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun.

Fennel, Sweet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Foeniculum vulgare
Zone 6
Feathery foliage with anise-like flavor is best used fresh, and when used in hot dishes should be added at the very last moment or else heat will destroy the flavor of the leaves. Stems are edible and should be treated like celery. The seeds of Fennel have a variety of uses and can flavor meats, vegetables and baked goods. To harvest the seeds, one must make sure that they are brown and not yellow-green. Place the seeds in a paper bag and store in a warm, dry area for further drying. Fennel grows to 36" and prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun.

Garlic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Allium sativum
Annual
The aroma of garlic will start the taste buds tingling. You cannot go wrong with it. Use the fresh, young green leaves for salads and use the cloves for about anything the passionate garlic lover wants. This plant adds a new dimension to all foods including breads, soups, meats, and of course one cannot eat Italian without it! Not only is it good in food, but it is also a companion plant. When planted next to roses, people claim that garlic helps repel aphids. It is also recommended as a companion plant with cabbages, eggplant, tomatoes, and fruit trees. Garlic prefers rich, deep, moist, well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade. 2004 IHA Herb of the Year!

Geranium, Scented. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Pelargonium sp.
Annual
Nostalgic, ornamental plants for the landscape or for use in containers.  The scented leaves are popular for use in making potpourri and the edible flowers are excellent for a splash of color in a salad! 2006 IHA Herb of the Year!

Old Fashioned Rose
Pelargonium graveolens
Annual
Deeply cut leaves have a breath taking fragrance. The scent has a romantic feel of just receiving a dozen roses. Edible pink flowers can carry the romance into the kitchen. Their peppery taste can garnish salads or entrees. This plant is great for the garden, container or maybe the bedroom. Geraniums prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Grows 18-24".

 

Lavender
Lavandula
Lavender is an extraordinary plant with wonderfully fragrant flowers and foliage that can be incorporated in many ways such as cosmetics, culinary uses, and ornamentally in the landscape. The aromatic leaves are used for sachets to perfume drawers and closets and also in potpourris. You can even stuff your pillow with the leaves and have a refreshing and peaceful night sleep. Cosmetically, one can add it to their bath or make a lavender facial, which stimulates and cleanses the skin. This herb also finds its way into the spice rack for use in vinegar, jellies, lemonade and baked goods. Ornamentally, most lavenders have a beautiful rounded habit in the garden, or container. For the crafty folks, wreaths, dried flower arrangements, sprays, and other room decorations can be easily created from the flowers and the leaves. Lavender prefers light, well-drained soil and full sun. Well-drained soil is critical, especially in winter, as lavenders resent having cold, wet feet. Vigor will decline if these conditions exist. Chosen as the 1999 IHA Herb of the Year.

Leeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Allium ampeloprasum
Annual
These are a large, upright, non-bulbous type of onion. Stems of this plant are long and thick, topped with 12-18" wide, flat leaves. When cooked, leeks provide a creamy texture, and are sweeter than onions. Leeks prefer well-drained soil and full sun.

Lemon Balm. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Melissa officinalis
Zone 5
The bright green, puckered, egg-shaped leaves of this plant have an excellent lemon flavor and scent. This loosely branched, upright plant stands up to 24" tall. The lemony leaves have a slight undertone of mint and are best used fresh. Toss fresh leaves, whole or chopped, into salads, poultry dishes, punch, or in marinade for fish. Even though leaves are best fresh, one can dry the stems and leaves and make a wonderful, invigorating tea. Lemon Balm prefers average, well-drained soil with full sun to shade. 2007 IHA Herb of the Year!

Lemon Grass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Cymbopogon citriatus
Annual
The wonderfully lemon-scented and flavored leaves of this plant are used extensively in Southeast Asian cuisine and also used to make tea.  This plant will grow to approximately 3' and is native to the tropics. It is hardy only to Zone 11.
..............Not available for 2009.

Lemon Verbena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Aloysia citriodora
Zone 9
The light green foliage of Lemon Verbena has a fragrance of lemon that will blow your mind! Simply brush by this plant and you will release its sweet, lemony fragrance. Use the leaves in potpourris and sachets or add a sprig to a tussie mussie or bouquet of flowers. This plant is great for flavoring teas and brightens the taste of fish or poultry. Use it for anything that you think needs a little breath of sunshine. This is a deciduous woody shrub that stands up to 36". Keep this plant in a flowerpot so you can enjoy the fresh lemon scent all year long. Lemon Verbena prefers rich, moist soil and full sun.
..............Not available for 2009.

Lovage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Levisticum officinale
Zone 3
This plant has glossy, dark green foliage that tastes and smells of celery. This 4' tall plant is a good substitute whenever celery is desired. Leaves can be used fresh in salads or dried for soups, stews, and sauces. The stems, which are similar to celery stalks, can be chopped, and added to salads; cooked and pureed; or candied. Seeds, whole or ground, are used in pickling brines, cheese spreads, salads, salad dressings, and sauces. It also adds life to low-salt or no-salt diets. Lovage prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.