Herb

Herbs are mostly easy to grow plants that can be used for both culinary and ornamental purposes.  The majority of these prefer full sun and well-drained soil.  Many are drought tolerant and most prefer little or no fertilization for best flavor. Frequent harvesting will produce fuller plants and assure a continual crop for kitchen use.

We consider most of these to be deer resistant except where noted. (We also grow many plants that may be considered medicinal herbs but we cannot recommend their use and so do not list them in our herb section.)

All are perennial unless otherwise noted. 

Select Plant Type:
Basil 'Greek Columnar'
Common Name: Basil
Green leaves that form an upright columnar appearance. A favorite because it continues to produce fresh leaves all summer. Does not bloom because our day lengths are not long enough. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant. Annual.

Basil 'Large Leaf Italian'
Common Name: Sweet Basil
Wonderful for pesto and Italian dishes. Large shiny green leaves. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant. Prefers well-drained soil. Do not fertilize heavily. Annual.

Catnip
Common Name: Catnip
Whitish-lavender blooms and toothed, heart-shaped green foliage. A must for every cat lover. Also great as a groundcover. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant. Prefers well-drained soil. Do not fertilize heavily.

Chives
Common Name: Chives
Onion-like foliage used to flavor food. Lavender globe-like flowers are nice cut and dried. Evergreen. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant. Prefers well-drained soil. Do not fertilize heavily.

Chives Garlic
Common Name: Garlic Chives
Onion-like blue-green foliage with clusters of edible white flowers in summer. Remove spent seed heads to prevent self sowing. Not deer resistant. Evergreen. Drought tolerant. Prefers well-drained soil. Do not fertilize heavily.

Dill 'Bouquet'
Common Name: Dwarf Dill
Dwarf selection that reaches only 1 1/2' tall and wide. Can be used fresh in sauces and salads and is especially good with fish. Use dried or the seeds for pickling. Host plant for butterflies. Not deer resistant. Drought tolerant.

Fennel Bronze
Common Name: Bronze Fennel
Decorative herb with wonderful bronze colored ferny foliage and attractive flowers and seed heads. Excellent when used in the center of a large container planting. Used in vegetable dips and with fish. Self sows. Not deer resistant. Drought tolerant.

Fennel Sweet
Common Name: Sweet Florence Fennel
Yellow flower unbels above fine, feathery green foliage. Grown for its mild anise-flavored bulb. Delicious raw or cooked. Used in vegetable dips and with fish. Prefers well-drained soil. Drought tolerant. Not deer resistant.

Humulus lupulus 'Aureus'
Common Name: Hops
Twining vine with chartreuse foliage and fragrant green flowers that age to a straw color. For best color, grow in sun. Attractive to butterflies.

Lavender angustifolia 'Munstead'
Common Name: Lavender
Old fashioned fragrant shrubby plant that has silvery-gray leaves and erect spikes of lavender flowers Requires perfectly drained soil and prefers alkaline conditions. Tolerant of coastal conditions. Attractive to butterflies. Evergreen.

Lavender x intermedia 'Dilly Dilly'
Common Name: Lavender
Compact, silver-gray foliage with extremely fragrant, violet-blue flower spikes. Requires perfectly drained soil and prefers alkaline conditions. Tolerant of coastal conditions. Attractive to butterflies. Evergreen. Deer resistant. Long blooming.

Lavender x intermedia 'Grosso'
Common Name: Lavender
Relatively compact plants with strong stems of deep violet blooms in midsummer. Vigorous and disease resistant plants hold up well in summer heat and humidity. Heavy oil producer.

Lavender x intermedia 'Hidcote Superior'
Common Name: English Lavender
Selected for its deep violet flowers and compact silvery-gray foliage. Requires perfectly drained soil and prefers alkaline conditions. Tolerant of coastal conditions. Attractive to butterflies. Evergreen. Deer resistant. Long blooming.

Lavender x intermedia 'Provence'
Common Name: Lavender
Tall variety with gray-green leaves and light purple flowers. Better humidity tolerance than other cultivars. Not recommended for dried flowers. Requires perfectly drained soil and prefers alkaline conditions. Evergreen. Deer resistant.

Mint - Chocolate Mint
Common Name: Chocolate Mint
Very fragrant, attractive leaves tinged with dark purple on a green base. Used in teas, sauces, punch, and candy. White flowers. Very vigorous so plant in large buried pots to control the spread of runners. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant.

Mint - Julep
Common Name: Mint
Large fragrant green leaves make this variety ideal for use in beverages, especially the famous Mint Julep. Very vigorous so plant in large buried pots to control the spread of runners. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant.

Mint - Kentucky Colonel Mint
Common Name: Spearmint
Extra strong spearmint variety with large green leaves. Lavender flowers. Very vigorous and should be planted in large buried pots to control the spread of runners. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant.

Mint - Orange Mint
Common Name: Orange Mint
Very fragrant citrus scented mint. Neat, attractive habit. Lavender flowers. Very vigorous and should be planted in large buried pots to control the spread of runners. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant.

Mint - Peppermint Mint
Common Name: Peppermint
18"-24". Strong peppermint flavor. Used in teas and Jelly.Very vigorous and should be planted in large buried pots to control the spread of runners. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant. Zone 5.

Mint - Pineapple Mint
Common Name: Pineapple Mint
Pineapple scented foliage that is also wonderfully variegated green and white. Very vigorous so plant in large buried pots to control the spread of runners. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant.

Mint - Spearmint Mint
Common Name: Spearmint
Sweet mild, peppermint favor. Lavender flowers. The best mint for flavoring jelly. Very vigorous and should be planted in large buried pots to control the spread of runners. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant.

Oregano 'Kent Beauty'
Common Name: Oregano (Ornamental)
Ornamental. Beautiful pink flowers appear on the tips of paper thin, hop-like, blush pink bracts. Interesting small oval, gray-green veined leaves. Pinch back to promote branching. Demands well-drained sandy soil. Long blooming. Deer resistant.

Oregano Greek
Common Name: Origanum vulgare hirtum
Deliciously scented foliage with excellent flavor. White flowers detract from foliage so keep removed. Lightly sheer if needed. Wonderful in tomato sauces and with meats. Used extensively in pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes. Deer resistant.

Oregano Italian
Common Name: Italian Oregano
Sweet and savory flavored foliage with a milder flavor than Greek Oregano. Pink flowers detract from foliage so keep removed. Used extensively in pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes. Deer resistant.

Osmunda claytoniana
Common Name:
This majestic native fern resembles Cinnamon fern, but prefers moist woods rather than swamps. Its fronds are "interrupted" by the sporangia that are borne in the middle of the frond, rather than the entire frond. Deciduous.

Parsley Italian
Common Name: Italian Parsley
Dark green, flat leaf variety with pronounced flavor. The gourmet's favorite. Larval food for butterflies. Biennial. Not deer resistant. Excellent source of vitamins, iron, and calcium for people.

Parsley Triple Curly
Common Name: Curly Parsley
Very curly, dark green foliage. Larval food for butterflies. Biennial that is best grown as an annual. Not deer resistant. Excellent source of vitamins, iron, and calcium for people.

Rosemary 'Arp'
Common Name: Rosemary
Strong growing compact plant with a Christmas tree growth habit. Shrubby evergreen with aromatic gray-green leaves and woody stems. Blue flowers are borne in the leaf axils. Deer resistant. Requires perfect winter drainage.

Rosemary 'Hill Hardy'
Common Name: Rosemary
An upright form like 'Arp' that is supposed to be hardy to Zone 6. Shrubby evergreen with aromatic gray-green leaves and woody stems. Blue flowers are borne in the leaf axils. Deer resistant. Requires perfect winter drainage.

Rosemary 'Joanna Reed'
Common Name: Rosemary
Mound forming variety that grows to be wider than tall. Seems to tolerate heat and humidity well. May be hardy to Zone 6. Shrubby evergreen with aromatic gray-green leaves and woody stems. Deer resistant.

Rosemary 'Salem'
Common Name: Rosemary
Dark green, needle-like leaves and blue flowers on bushy plants that can substitute for shrubbery. The aromatic foliage is wonderful to brush against and excellent for cooking. Frequent harvesting will help maintain its fullness.

Ruta graveolens
Common Name: Rue
Attractive delicate blue evergreen foliage with yellow flowers. Host plant for the swallowtail butterfly larvae. Tolerates partial shade. Shear after blooming for neater appearance. May cause skin reaction. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant.

Sage 'Berggarten'
Common Name: Sage
This is a selection of garden sage that has larger, more rounded leaves and rarely blooms. Light green leaves become silvery and downy as they mature. The same great flavor as regular garden sage, but plants are more compact.

Sage 'Golden'
Common Name: Sage
Bright gold variegation on green aromatic leaves make this a must-have for the perennial garden as well as the herbs garden. Leaves are quite suitable for seasoning. Although short-lived it is a welcome addition to the garden.

Sage 'Purple'
Common Name: Purple Sage
Strong aromatic, semi-evergreen, shrubby plant with oblong leaves and spikes of violet flowers. Stems and leaves are bluish purple making them ornamental, as well as excellent for stuffing, sausages, stews and meats.

Santolina incana (chamaecyparissus) 'Nana'
Common Name: Lavender Cotton
Compact, globe-like growth habit. Silvery-gray foliage with yellow flowers 1/2" across. Demands well-drained soil. Tolerant of drought and coastal conditions. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant. Great for edging gardens or pathways.

Santolina virens
Common Name: Lavender Cotton
Bright green foliage with 1/2" yellow flowers. Demands well-drained soil. Tolerant of drought and coastal conditions. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant. Great for edging gardens or pathways.

Santolina virens 'Lemon Fizz'
Common Name:
Bright chartreuse yellow, thread-like foliage distinguish this unique lavender cotton. Compact, mounding form is slightly wider than tall. Pale yellow pompom flowers in early summer.

Thymus citriodorus 'Archer's Gold'
Common Name: Creeping Thyme
Brilliant creeping golden foliage in winter follows attractive dark green foliage in summer. Evergreen. Small pink flowers in late summer. Requires well-drained soil, especially in winter. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant.

Thymus citriodorus 'Lemon'
Common Name: Thyme
Shiny green leaves on a compact, mounding plant. Very fragrant foliage. Lavender flowers. Evergreen. Requires well-drained soil, especially in winter. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant.

Thymus doerfleri 'Bressingham'
Common Name: Thyme
A very low-growing thyme that resembles wooly thyme, but with light green foliage. Hot pink blooms fade to soft pink creating a delicate carpet to show off roses, line walkways or make a small lawn in difficult areas.

Thymus doerfleri 'Doone Valley'
Common Name: Thyme
Green foliage with irregular golden areas that turn reddish in winter. Evergreen. Lemony fragrance, lavender flowers. Requires well-drained soil, especially in winter. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant.

Thymus praecox 'Albiflorus'
Common Name: Creeping Thyme
Low growing, aromatic plants have white blooms in summer. Evergreen. Moderate foot traffic.Requires well-drained soil, especially in winter. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant. Moderate foot traffic. Space on 8" centers.

Thymus praecox 'Coccineus'
Common Name: Thyme
Soft aromatic foliage is covered with light rose flowers in summer. Deep green foliage gives way to bronze as weather turns cold. Very versatile perennial that will cover dry slopes, creep around roses or work perfectly as a lawn substitute.

Thymus praecox 'Highland Cream'
Common Name: Thyme
New creeping thyme with bright cream/gold foliage with a touch of green in the middle. Soft pink to white flowers adorn it in late spring. Exhilarating color makes this an absolute must for entryways and patios or draping over a retaining wall.

Thymus praecox 'Pink Chintz'
Common Name: Creeping Thyme
Soft, hairy gray-green leaves showcase pretty salmon-pink flowers in summer. Perfect in between pavers, along a garden path or covering a dry slope. Use in entryways or patios to enjoy fragrance. Evergreen.

Thymus praecox 'Pseudolanuginosus'
Common Name: Wooly Thyme
Creeping, wooly gray foliage and pink flowers create a versatile evergreen groundcover that will cover dry slopes, fill in between rocks or grow in containers. Not humidity tolerant. Works well between stepping stones or around roses.

Thymus pulegoides coccineus 'Coconut'
Common Name: Thyme
Lightly coconut scented green foliage is covered with lavender-pink flowers in July. Forms a ground hugging mat of evergreen foliage. Requires well-drained soil, especially in winter. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant.

Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'
Common Name: Thyme
Miniature thyme that forms a tight, solid mat of gray/green foliage. Gorgeous when it blooms with light pink flowers in summer. Creates a versatile groundcover that will cover dry slopes, fill in between stepping stones or creep over a rock.

Thymus serpyllum 'Magic Carpet'
Common Name: Creeping Thyme
A creeping thyme that forms a tight grip on the ground to make an impressive lawn substitute or border plant. Deep green foliage has a nice fresh scent of lemon when stepped on and explodes in late spring with carmine pink flowers. Evergreen.

Thymus serpyllum 'Mother of Thyme'
Common Name: Creeping Thyme
Bushy, upright form with attractive lavender flowers in June and July. Evergreen. Requires well-drained soil, especially in winter. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant. Bushy upright form that benefits from frequent light shearing.

Thymus vulgaris 'English'
Common Name: English Thyme
Dark green, small leaves with purple flowers that are attractive to butterflies. A favorite for seasoning foods. Evergreen. Requires well-drained soil, especially in winter. Deer resistant.

Thymus vulgaris 'Silver Edged'
Common Name: Thyme
Green and white variegated leaves with whitish flowers. Lemon scented foliage. Evergreen. Requires well-drained soil, especially in winter. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant. Bushy upright form that benefits from frequent light shearing.

Thymus vulgaris 'Transparent Yellow'
Common Name: Thyme
Chartreuse foliage that turns yellow-orange in fall. Evergreen. Requires well-drained soil, especially in winter. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant. May be used as a groundcover or lawn substitute, even tolerating light foot traffic.

Thymus x 'Spicy Orange'
Common Name: Thyme
This unique thyme will intrigue all passersby when you use this as a walkway plant, curb planting or around the patio. Light green needle-like foliage creeps along to form a nice carpet covered with 1" soft pink flower spikes in June and July.

Thymus x argenteus 'Hi Ho Silver'
Common Name: Thyme (English)
Selection of English Thyme with bright white variegation and purple flowers. Upright, culinary form that benefits from frequent light shearing. Evergreen. Attractive to butterflies. Deer resistant. Requires well-drained soil, especially in winter.