The Variety and Romance of an Italian Herb Garden

Many recipes in Europe and the West are of Italian origin and make lots of use of herbs which have been used for herb growing in Italy for generations (many of them going back to the time of the Romans).  For this reason, many enthusiastic herbs gardeners theme their herb gardens as Italian herb gardens.

Growing your own herbs in an Italian herb garden provides a huge range of options for layout, design and content.  However, you don’t need to go as far as suggested in the adjoining picture. It’s as easy to create interest and atmosphere with a small Italian herb garden as it is with a large one.

Some of the most famous and tastiest herbs in the world come from Italy.  Some of the best cuisines come from Italy and are famous in part for their herbs.

Some Well-known Herbs for an Italian Herb Garden

An Italian Herb Garden

Basil is a well know herb found in most Italian herb gardens and many Italian recipes.  Basil will not only add flavor to many Italian cuisines, it is useful in the garden to other plants. Planting basil next to your peppers and tomatoes will actually improve their flavor.  Also, basil will also repel flies and mosquitoes.

Parsley is a relatively hard herb plant to grow but it is useful in not only Italian dishes but many other types of cuisines.  Many generations ago before their were breath mints it was found that eating fresh, raw parsley after a meal eradicated the bad breath left over from enjoying a flavorful cuisine.  The tradition arose to serve parsley on a small dish after the meal.  The tradition lives today by using parsley as a garnish on a variety of meals.

Oregano is as decorative as it is flavorful.  When it is fully mature it will sprout pretty little purple flowers.  Oregano should not be harvested until it has flowered because this is when the plant is most flavorful.

Fennel is famous for its seeds that grace and enhance the flavors of Italian sausage.  The interesting thing about fennel is that the plant looses its flavor as it matures.  It is a perennial plant that should be divided and replanted every few years to savor its flavor.

Rosemary, like basil, is an Italian herb that is beneficial to the garden.  It grows into a large shrub that spouts pretty little blue flowers.  It helps the garden by attracting bees.  Although it is a tough evergreen perennial, it is sensitive to frost.

Garlic is probably the most used herb in Italian cuisines.  No Italian herb garden in an Italian herb garden would be complete without this useful herb.  Garlic is not difficult to grow.  Garlic cloves can be planted and will thrive in just about any garden with very little attention.  They can be stored to be used at a later time after they are harvested by freezing them or pickling them to store in the refrigerator.

Sage is used in a variety of Italian dishes from meats to salads.  New shoots of the plant contain the most flavor so it is recommended not to let sage plants to get to woody by keeping them trim.  New shoots will be encouraged to grow.  Sage can be harvested after it blooms.

Plan the Development of Your Italian Herb Garden

There are lots of herbs that can be included in an Italian herb garden.  Don’t try and go too far at the start when you are developing your Italian herb garden. Carefully consider which herbs are best for your garden.  Think about the growing conditions each plant needs and consider whether or not you can provide them.  Yes, Italian herbs add flavor to food but they should also be looked at as more than that.  They also make amazing additions to landscape designs.  They can be displayed for their color and aroma as well as appreciated for the flavor they bring to your food.  By planting Italian herbs amongst other plants, you will be graced with the sweet aromas straight from Italy.  When you have completed your Italian herb garden it will be like taking a stroll on an Italian hill side.

Happy herb gardening,