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aka Sweet Basil

Where would summer be without Basil to add fragrance and flavour to a multitude of dishes? Large shiny green leaves that taste great fresh - wonderful for Pesto. Leaves can be frozen for future use if you have an over-production. Loves the sun and good drainage. Protect from frost. Annual.

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aka Camomile

Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs in the Western world. Chamomile has been used as a medicine for thousands of years; used to calm frayed nerves, to treat stomach problems, to relieve muscle spasms, and to treat skin conditions and mild infections. Chamomile tea aids sleep. Annual.

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Comfrey should be termed as a 'super-plant' it can be used as a medicinal herb, tea, vegetable, animal feed and green manure. Tall and wide spreading, it reaches a height of 60 to 90cm. With large, coarse leaves and flowers which are blue or creamy white grow in spikes and bloom all summer. It is easy to grow. Perennial.

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aka Japanese Ginger

This deciduous herbaceous perennial is a native to Japan/ China. Only its edible flower buds and flavourful shoots are used in cooking. Frost tolerant down to -16 . Can add a tropical look for the woodland garden or in shaded corners of the garden. Looks quite at home amongst hostas and ferns. Perennial

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The Goji Berry is an ancient medicinal and culinary plant from Asia that is highly valued for its therapeutic qualities. Green foliage, purple and white flowers in summer followed by nutrient packed red berries. Grows best in a sunny well drained position. Self-pollinating, hardy and deciduous.

The Goji Berry will eventually form a strong trunk a bit like a grape-vine. The somewhat trailing branches can be trained as required. Fruiting should occur after the 2nd year with full production around year 5. Quite drought tolerant once established. This so called 'Superfood' is certainly worth a try.

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Lemon balm loses much of its flavor when dried, so it is a seasonal delight to be enjoyed while the weather is mild and the plant is green. However, enough of the fragrance remains when this herb is dried to make it a delightful addition to potpourri.

Like many other herbs, lemon balm can lose its flavor in cooking, so add it near the end of the cooking process. The fresh lemon fragrance and flavor go nicely with both chicken and fish dishes, as well as fruit and fruit juice drinks. Create your own herbal tea by cutting a few stems of lemon balm (plus any other appealing herbs), putting them in a pitcher, pour boiling water over them, and allow them to steep for about 15 minutes. Enjoy your tea hot or over ice.

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Country Cream is a hardy, bushy perennial, which although aromatic and can be used in Italian, Greek, Mexican dishes, is mostly used for ornamental purposes. Loves a sunny spot in rich well drained soil. It forms a dense mat and a small pink flower. Trim back regularly to maintain shape and vigour.

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aka Knotted marjoram

Sweet marjoram is widely used as a flavouring for salad dressings, vegetables, legumes and oils. The flavour resembles a blend of thyme, rosemary and sage. Perennial herb.

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aka Mint Common

There are several forms of Garden Mint, the true variety being of bold, upright growth, with fairly large and broad leaves, pointed and sharply serrated (or toothed) at the edges and of a rich, bright, green colour. Cut back in Autumn for new winter growth.

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Best grown in rich, moist soils in full sun to part shade. Adapts to a wide range of soils except dry ones. Large plantings may be sheared after bloom to remove flower spikes and stimulate new vegetative growth. Soil barriers may be used to restrain spread if plants are grown in borders or other areas where spread is unwanted.