Landscaping with Herbs

This is an idea book. A book that every time it's read another point of interest is noted. Mr. Adams really loves his herbs and wants to make a successful herb gardener out of each of us. More than that, though, he wants us to expand the way we think of herbs to include common culinary herbs in our landscape. There are six major chapters that include; creating a Fragrant Garden, a Formal Garden for Beauty, a Beneficial Formal Garden, an Informal Landscape, a Contemporary Landscape, and a Wild Landscape.Much appreciated is how each chapter introduces the reader to a myriad of herbs including specific named varieties of well known herbs. For instance, instead of just Thyme, many different Thymes are mentioned and discussed and often a photograph of that plant is included. Also, in each chapter are plans for using the herbs and several color photos of the herbs actually being used in the landscape. This realistic view of the plants is a big help when choosing plants for the landscape.There are also useful, fun tidbits on many other aspects of using herbs including information on Topiary Training, Knot Gardens and Kitchen Gardens. There are recipes too, like Meatballs with Lovage, Oregano, Savory and Basil, that make use of the herbs we grow.A handy chart at the back of the book lists each plant and many of its physical characteristics such as zone and bloom season. There is also a use chart which lists the landscape use and herbal use of each plant. It is easy to see why this book was honored by the American Horticultural Society as a Great American Gardening Book.

More and more people are realizing that herbs are special. In the garden they not only provide texture and fragrance, but they are also waterwise. This previously published book, now in paperback, provides the reader with information on more than 600 species and cultivars of herbs. John Adams explains how to use these herbs in a variety of garden types both formal and informal. Through this book I was introduced to new thyme species and prompted to plant a thyme garden.