Lemon Verbena. This open and rangy shrub will not win you over with its looks but will wow you with the delicious aromatic fragrance. Likes good drainage, sunlight and tolerant of light frost. Steep leaves in water to make a refreshing drink. Deciduous.

Give this plant a good tidy up every now and then with sharp secateurs - it will respond well. Small sprays of pale lavender flowers appear in summer but it is really the foliage that makes this shrub desirable.

A highly ornamental form of Sweet Basil which adds colour to summer salads. Lush purple foliage with full of flavour and fragrance. Plant in a sunny well drained spot and protect from frost. Pinch back to a new growth point as you harvest the leaves to encourage re-growth. Annual.

Mrs Burns' Lemon Basil is a legendary heirloom, nothing short of an idol among fine chefs and gardeners alike. With the strongest aroma and flavour of all the lemon basils, the scent is powerful, resinous, and oily, followed by spicy cinnamon, with a strong floral note. It has a concentrated lemon oil taste, with mild spice and mint.

Spicy Globe Basil is a delightful garden plant because of its very round, compact shape and tiny, flavourful leaves, roughly half the size of sweet basil. The hearty flavour makes it a good candidate for spicier Thai and Italian dishes, in sparing amounts. Grows well in windowsill pots. Annual.

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.

Thai basil is sturdy and compact, has shiny green, slightly serrated, narrow leaves with a sweet, anise-like scent and hints of licorice, along with a slight spiciness lacking in sweet basil. Thai basil has a purple stem, and like other plants in the mint family, the stem is square. Perennial

The flowers are very pretty in white or pink with purple dots, growing in typical Bergamot fashion. Young leaves can be used in tea or for any gourmet dish, especially fish, where a strong lemon flavour would add interest. An attractive plant that will attract the attention of bees, as well as people, in any herb garden.

Borage is an old herb, known at least since Roman times. It is said that borage gladdens the heart. It can add colour and interest to any garden, and it has value in the kitchen as well. For the avid herb gardener, it's a must.

Cat grass (catgrass) is a name used to describe a number of different types of grass which are popular with cats. It would appear that there are two main species of grass referred to as cat grass. Once the grass is an inch or two long, move to a spot easily accessible to your cat. It is also a good idea to have some growing outdoors in an enclosure if your cat has access to one.

A useful and attractive perennial with grey/green foliage and pretty sprays of mauve flowers that appear from spring right through to autumn. Useful as an edging for flower beds. Loves a sunny position and a good haircut every now and then. Hardy, evergreen easy to grow if you can keep your cats off it long enough!

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.

Traditional groundcover with bright green feathery foliage and erect stems of small, daisy-like flowers. Charmingly scented and magic to walk on. Chamomile Lawn thrive in full sun, but will tolerate dappled shade. Perennial.

This variety of Chives is a vigorous grower with good disease resistance. Nice broad leaves that can be chopped up to add to summer salads etc. Will form a good clump in the vege patch or can be grown in a pot. Prefers the sun and good drainage. Perennial.

Flat leaves with a mild garlic flavour make these versatile Chives a useful Herb for a variety of dishes. A good substitute for those who find bulb garlic too strong. Plant in a sunny well drained spot. Perennial.

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.

Highly aromatic Herb that is popular for adding a pungent flavour to Chinese, Thai and Mexican cuisine. This variety is very slow to bolt ( hence the name) and can be grown in a pot or the garden. Likes the sun and fertile soil to do well. Annual.

This hardy and very aromatic, evergreen perennial has upright growth habit, narrow, long silver leaves and yellow flower clusters. It grows up to 60cm (24") high and spreads to 60cm (24") wide.

The leaves of this great structured plant bear a distinct curry aroma, making it excellent for all kinds of cooking and seasoning.

Pyrethrum is a great companion plant, used to keep many of the unwanted insects from your beloved plants. Pyrethrins are an aphid alarm pheromone which can be used to repel pest insects from nearby crops. Can be grown indoors. Perennial.

This culinary herb is particularly popular for adding flavour to fish dishes and pickles. Both the foliage and seeds can be used. The foliage has a mild aniseed flavour. Grow in a sunny spot with nice humus rich soil. Annual.

A gourmet bulb Fennel with big white bulbs that are not too fibrous and have a delicious, mild, aniseed flavour. The bulb can be eaten raw or cooked and the foliage can be finely chopped and used as a garnish. Likes the sun and fertile, well drained soil. Perennial.

A culinary soft neck Garlic with a premium flavour. Forms large, firm, white skinned cloves. Companion plant as aphid deterrent. Plant in June, in a sunny, well drained spot ('pointy' end up); harvest December. Feed monthly with a general purpose fertiliser, water regularly. Reliable cropper, easy to grow.

Once you have dug your Garlic up around Christmas time (6 months after planting). Leave to dry in a warm dry spot until the leaves die down. Then break the leaves off and store whole in the pantry until you are ready to use. Home grown fresh Garlic has an exquisite sweet flavour that is hard to beat. Bon appetit.

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

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.

Fragrant swaying grass that will add texture and movement as well as contrast among more compact plants. Used in cooking and for making tea. Ideal container plant or in a border or garden bed.

The oil is antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral. Also used as an antidepressant, to soothe aches and pains, to relieve stress. If drunk before bed will induce sleep. Effective for headaches and respiratory problems. Pour boiling water over sliced leaves and steep for 5 minutes for Lemongrass tea. Sweeten as desired. Can be dried for tea, potpourri or cooking.

This is a tall addition to the garden and often placed at the back of the border. It is a good idea to start a new plant every few years. Lovage prefers a rich soil that retains moisture well. It likes full sun in cool climates or partial shade where summers are very hot.

Leaves and stems used as a savoury flavouring in salads, soups, stews etc, imparting a yeasty/celery flavour.

Originating from Acorn Bank, the National Trust garden in Cumbria, this golden marjoram has very long, pointed leaves. To achieve the full golden colour of this herb, plant it in semi shade. Full sun can produce pale leaves

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.

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.

Sweet Marjoram is a rich, sweet tasting herb, that is used interchangeably with oregano. It has tender leaves and stems, grows well just about anywhere, and is a great kitchen windowsill garden choice. A tender plant. Consider your marjoram to be an annual.

Cut back juicy stems and leaves as they grow. Sweet marjoram will provide you with multiple cuttings in one season. Cut the soft stems and leaves and add at the end of the cooking time. Use a small amount to begin with. Marjoram boasts a more powerful flavor than the same amount of oregano.

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.