Marigold, Lemon Gem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Tagetes tenuifolia 'Lemon Gem'
Annual
Hundreds of petite, lemon-yellow flowers bloom all summer long amid this lacy foliage. This plant forms a low mound that reaches 8-10" and has a citrus scent. Flowers are edible and are excellent for a delightful little garnish or to add a splash of color to any mixed greens. Lemon Gem is also great for cut flowers, a cottage garden, or massed in the border. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and full sun.

Marigold, Lemon Mint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Tagetes lemmonii
Annual
A lemon-mint scent and flavor enhances this striking plant! Large yellow flowers bloom atop the lacy foliage. Both foliage and blooms are edible and can be used to add a zesty lemon accent to any dish or as a decorative garnish. This robust, fast grower is also wonderful in the garden for mass plantings where flowers persist all summer long. Grows to 30” tall and prefers rich, well-drained soil and full sun.
..............Not available for 2009.

Marigold, Tangerine Gem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Tagetes tenuifolia 'Tangerine Gem'
Annual
The citrus scented lacy foliage will be covered with hundreds of petite light orange flowers that will bloom all summer long. Flowers are edible and excellent for a delightful little garnish or to add a splash of color to any mixed greens. They form 8-10" mounds and are great for cut flowers, cottage gardens, or massed in the border. Gem Marigolds prefer rich, well-drained soil and full sun.
..............Not available for 2009.

Marjoram

Pot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Origanum onites
Annual
The pale gray-green and mildly hairy leaves of this plant form a bushy display. This plant has a mild oregano flavor with a hint of balsam. Leaves can be used fresh or dried in many dishes. For instance, marjoram is exceptional for all types of meats, green vegetables and so on. This herb complements bay, garlic, onion, thyme, and basil. It is a culinary necessity in the kitchen. Pot Marjoram prefers light, dry, well-drained soil and full sun. It can grow up to 10".
..............Not available for 2009.

Sweet. .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Origanum majorana
Annual
Small, gray, felt-like leaves have a clean, sweet odor that is described by perfumers as a warm-spice, camphor-like scent with a hint of nutmeg and cardamom. This herb is extensively used in beverages, meats, baked goods, and condiments. This plant grows to 12" and is a great plant for patios or dried to make potpourri and wreaths. Amazing what one annual can do in a year! Sweet Marjoram prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun.

 

Mint

Apple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Mentha suaveolens
Zone 5
Soft, light green, hairy leaves have an apple fresh scent and flavor. Apple Mint will grow to 18" tall. The leaves add an enchanting essence to drinks, fruit salads or cottage and cream cheeses. This plant is also great for ornamental purposes. Allow it to run wild in areas where a hardy ground cover is needed or to control it, place it in a container pot and this makes for a lovely patio plant. Mints prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or part shade.

Candy. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Mentha piperita 'Candymint'
Zone
5
Aromatic leaves are a variation of peppermint with a sweeter scent. Excellent for flavoring teas and ice creams. Mints are vigorous spreaders and should be contained. Grows to 24" tall and prefers moist well-drained soil with full to part sun.

Chocolate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Mentha
x piperita 'Chocolate'
Zone 5
Chocolate Mint has a spreading habit with green to bronze leaves and bronze stems and can grow 12 – 24" tall. The clean fragrance of peppermint has a chocolate overtone, which resembles a peppermint patty. Great for recipes that call for chocolate mint flavoring. Also pretty as a container plant to enjoy in the kitchen or patio. Mints prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or part shade.

Curly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Mentha spicata ‘Crispa’
Zone 5
As the name suggests, Curly Mint, which grows to 24" tall, has round, crinkled leaves that have the flavor and scent of spearmint. The flavor of spearmint enhances all sorts of meat, fish, or veggie dishes. For the sweet lovers, Curly Mint can find its way into jellies, candy and chocolate. As an ornamental, one can use this mint as a hardy ground cover if needed. Mow as they come into flower and you will have a lovely thick carpet. Mints prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or part shade.

Grapefruit
Mentha piperita 'Grapefruit'
Zone 5
This hybrid selection has a flavorful and fragrant spearmint scent with a robust grapefruit overtone. This plant stands 12 – 24" tall, which makes it nice for the herb garden or in a container. Use this herb as you would Apple Mint. Mints prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil with full sun or part shade.

Lime. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Mentha piperita
'Lime'
Zone 5
With an excellent lime flavor and scent, this is an entirely different mint! Be the first on your block to own one! Youll be the Queen Bee of cool, citrus beverages during the dog days of summer. Display this herb proudly, either in the garden or in your stylish container. This groovy mint prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil with full sun or part shade. It can reach 12-24" in height.

Pennyroyal, English. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Mentha pulegium
Annual
Glossy, egg-shaped leaves have a strong mint scent and create the creeping habit that will stand at least 12" tall. There is not much culinary use but it is ideal for carpeting paths or in between pavers and bricks where mild foot traffic releases its heady scent. It is said that pennyroyal has an amazing effect for repelling fleas. However, only use the herb in flea pillows. Do not use the oil or brewed tea on your dog for it has stimulated symptoms of poisoning. Pennyroyal prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil with full sun or part shade.

Peppermint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Mentha piperita 'Robert Mitchum'
Zone 5
This select strain of true cool black peppermint has shiny bronzy-green leaves and a wonderfully flavorful peppermint taste. This herb is the premier mint for flavoring candy and gum. It also has a delightful touch in coffee, tea, or water. When you use this herb, only harvest the young leaves to have the perfect peppermint experience; the older ones tend to become bitter. This mint prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or part shade and can grow to 12" tall.

Pineapple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Mentha suaveolens
‘Variegata’
Zone 5
These beautiful creamy-white and green leaves have a sweet, fruity pineapple scent and flavor. It can grow to 24" tall. Use this as you would Apple Mint. Mint prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or part shade.

Spearmint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Mentha spicata 'Kentucky Colonel'
Zone 5
With superb green, pebbled, pointed leaves, this plant stands 24" tall. It has an invigorating flavor and scent of spearmint. Out of all the mints, this is the best one to use for cooking. One can use this mint on anything from meats, fish, and veggie dishes to jellies, sauces, candy and chocolate! A selected hybrid for its higher flavor content,Kentucky Colonel' is a must in the garden. Spearmint prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or part shade.

Nasturtium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Tropaeolum majus
Annual
Nasturtiums have a compact, rounded habit, which will stand between 9 - 12" tall. They have beautiful leaves that taste of pepper and an exquisite variety of blooms, which taste of watercress. Toss the fresh flowers or the young leaves into salads for an extra pepper taste. The flowers make for the ultimate garnish for plates or punch bowls. Not only are they stunning in cuisine, they are also wonderful in the border of a garden, window boxes, hanging baskets and as a potted plant. Nasturtiums prefer average, moist, well-drained soil and full sun.
..............Not available for 2009.

Alaska Mix
Nice bright, variegated foliage with bright blooms of orange, scarlet, yellow, apricot, rose, pink, cream, and mahogany.

Empress of India
The deep purple, nearly blue foliage contrasts nicely with the vermillion-orange blooms of this regal plant.

Melba Yellow
Yellow, compact, double flowers are held above mounding foliage.

Whirlybird Tangerine
Large, audacious, bright orange flowers adorn this variety, easily grown from seed.

Wina (Peach Melba)
This variety sports double bright cream flowers with mahogany faces held above mounding foliage.

 

Oregano

Greek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum
Zone 5
Large, light green, pungent leaves form an upright habit that will stand 12 – 18" tall. This herb is no stranger to the kitchen and with its hot, peppery flavor; no self-respecting chef would do without it. Oregano is a must in tomato sauce and will enhance cheese and egg combos, along with breads, veggies, beef, pork, and poultry. Its flavor combines well with garlic, thyme, parsley and olive oil. Greek Oregano prefers average, well-drained soil and full sun.

Hot and Spicy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Origanum vulgare 'Hot & Spicy'
Zone 7
This herb is similar in appearance to Italian Oregano, but this one will take you on a magic culinary express ride to Goodsville! Use this oregano when you want to add thrills to your otherwise dull dinner. Caution: if used in large amounts, taste buds may explode.Hot and Spicy' Oregano grows to 18" tall and prefers average, well-drained soil and full sun.

Italian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Origanum
x majoricum
Zone 5
Often called Hardy Sweet Marjoram, the foliage of this plant is smaller and has a sweeter flavor than other oregano and stands at 12 – 18" tall. Use as you would Sweet Marjoram, in beverages, meats, baked goods and condiments. Oregano prefers average, well-drained soil and full sun.

Thumbles Variety. .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .landscape
Origanum vulgare 'Thumbles Variety'
Zone 5
Heavenly, golden foliage with a bushy upright habit grows 12–18" tall. This is a stunning addition to any landscape. Great for massing or as a ground cover, the golden foliage creates a pleasing backdrop for white flowers in September. The leaves can be used, like any other oregano, for culinary purposes. Oregano prefers average, well-drained soil and full sun.

Turkestan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Origanum tyttanticum

Zone 5
The robust growth habit of this herb grows 12–18" tall. Dark green leaves have a hearty oregano taste that captures the essence of flavorful cooking in any dish you may want to try. It is ideal for indoor use. Oregano prefers average, well-drained soil and full sun.

Variegated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Origanum vulgare 'Variegatum'

Zone 5
The attractively variegated oregano grows 4-12" tall and is a dazzling addition to any garden! Not only will it brighten up your garden it can also brighten up your meals with its unique foliage! Oregano prefers average, well-drained soil and full sun.
..............Not available for 2009.

 

Parsley

Curled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Petroselinum crispum
BIENNIAL
Extremely dense, beautiful dark green curled leaves are what make this parsley special. The leaves grow on strong stalks that can grow 8 – 10" tall. This intricate foliage makes for a beautiful garnish and adds flare to about any dish. As an ornamental, parsley has earned its place as a border or edging plant. As a companion plant, parsley is said to repel asparagus beetles. After trimming back, rapid re-growth occurs, thus producing higher yields. Parsley prefers moderately, rich, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Italian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Petroselinum crispum neapolitanum
BIENNIAL
This is the Italian Dark Leaf strain. It can grow 8-10" tall and has glossy, dark green flat leaves. This parsley has a fuller flavor than the curled. It is best-used dry and in slow cooking. It is good when used in sautéing, grilling meats, or cooking poultry. It can also be used as a garnish. As an ornamental, parsley has earned its place as a border or edging plant. As a companion plant, parsley is said to repel asparagus beetles. Italian Parsley prefers moderately rich, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade.

 

Rosemary
Annual
Rosemary is the symbol of remembrance and friendship. It has many purposes from culinary uses to cosmetic, and ornamental. As a seasoning, the leaves have a combined flavor of mint, and a somewhat piney taste with a slight tinge of ginger. This herb is very popular in the kitchen for its robust flavor and can complement almost any meat, poultry or seafood dish. Rosemary oil or tea can make for a delightful bath or steam facial experience. This herb also has value in the garden. This graceful, handsome plant can stand alone in the landscape or be used as an accent plant on patios and terraces. The prostrate variety can be used as a unique ground cover or is beautiful draped over a wall. Rosemary prefers well-drained soil and full sun. 2000 IHA Herb of the Year. 

Arp. . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Arp’

One of the hardiest rosemary’s around, this rosemary is considered a zone 6! Gray-green leaves and pale blue flowers are a great addition to your herb garden. This plant is a slow grower but will mature to a height of 36-48" tall and width of 18-24". Prefers full sun.

Barbecue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Barbecue'
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to not have to clean up those messy skewers after a barbecue? Well wonder no more this plant can save you the hassle of clean up time! Barbecue rosemary is perfect for using as a skewer for kabobs and as an added bonus a hint of rosemary essence will be in every bite! Not only a necessity for the back yard barbecue but also a beautiful addition to any herb garden. This tall upright plant can grow up to 72” tall and has misty blue blooms that creates a Mediterranean feel around your garden. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

Cascade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Rosmarinus officinalis var.
This cascading rosemary is excellent for hanging baskets or trailing over rocks. Growing only to 6" tall this variety has shiny dark green leaves and light blue flowers.

Common. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Rosmarinus officinalis
This is the straight species and most commonly used variety. It has shiny dark green leaves and light blue flowers. It will grow to 48" tall.

Foresteri.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Foresteri'

Foresteri has dark green leaves and deep blue flowers with an upright, somewhat irregular growth habit. It will grow 24–36" tall.

Huntington Carpet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Huntington Carpet'
This rosemary has a beautiful prostrate form. Bright blue flowers cover its small, dark green leaves when in bloom. It will grow 12" tall and can spread 36".
..............Not available for 2009.

Lockwood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood Variety'
A trailing habit makes this 6" plant perfect for creeping over walls. It is a heavy bloomer with pale blue flowers and gorgeous, dark green leaves.

Pink Flowered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Pink'
Good-looking bright green leaves and pretty pink flowers form on this upright plant that can grow up to 48" tall.

Salem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Salem'
Thick, large, dark green leaves and blue flowers create an elegant upright form that will grow to 48" tall.

Santa Barbara. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Santa Barbara'
This heavy-flowering trailing rosemary has pale-blue flowers and intensely fragrant leaves with a distinct flavor. Excellent for seasoning meats or vegetables. It is a vigorous grower reaching only 6" tall and has an earlier bloom time making it a great addition to your garden! Prefers dry, well-drained soil.

Severn Sea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Severn Sea'
This semi-trailing rosemary has sky blue flowers and fragrant, larger leaves with a distinct flavor. Excellent seasoning for meat or vegetable dishes. The leaves can also be dried for crafts. It grows 10-12" tall and may be wintered indoors in pots. Prefers dry, well-drained soil and full sun.
..............Not available for 2009.

Tuscan Blue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .culinary
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Tuscan Blue'
The broad, green leaves and blue flowers of this rosemary have an upright form that will grow 24 – 36" tall.