A couple of years ago we decided to convert our little fish pond/fountain into a small herb garden. The fish pond turned out to be more work than it was worth, having to be drained and refilled just about every week (no filtration system). We were also having to replace the fish periodically because they kept disappearing. We never did figure out if it was cats or raccoons that were eating them.
So, John drilled several drainage holes in the bottom of the pond, put in a layer of pebbles and then filled it with potting soil and compost.
One nice feature is that it is portable so if we need to move it, we can. This is how it looks today.
There is nothing better than being able to step out you back door and snip fresh herbs for a recipe, right when you need them!
Some of the herbs in my little garden are:
Curly leafed parsley.
Flat leafed parsley.
Sage
Lavender
My little garden is not quite big enough so, I have several other pots of herbs in different parts of our yard.
I planted this mixture this past weekend.
This herb is new to me, its called Egyptian Culantro and tastes like Mexican Cilantro/Coriander.
I was amazed by how close it really is in flavor, and its such an interesting little plant, don't you think?
This one is thyme, the variety is "Transparent Yellow"
I never knew how many varities of basil there are, they seem to be endless. I chose a few I found interesting.
This one is "Thai Basil." To me it tastes like regular basil along with a hint of anise. 
Here we have "Greek Basil." It has a basil flavor with a hint of vanilla, interestingly sweet.
This one is called "Spicy Globe Basil" and has a peppery basil flavor which I'm sure will be delicious in a wide variety of dishes.
These two varieties I'm more familiar with, "Sweet Basil" and...
..."Mammoth Basil."
I have a seperate large pot for my Rosemary plant.
We tried our hand at growing our own Garlic this year. This was planted back in November and we've been told that we can harvest it in July here. If anyone has any tips on how we will know when its ready, I'd love to hear them!
And last but not least, I should know that when I send John to the backyard to bring me an extra pot, he will come back with a critter of some sort to show me.
Aren't I a lucky girl?
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Comments: 94 ( 1 removed by Μόףףý ● ķ ~ )
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U wishing you laughter
Just be sure and keep the pots watered and they should be okay. I still need to plant a few plants more, like Tarragon and Dill.
I have never heard of Egyptian culantro. Sounds good though.
And I can never find Thai basil, but it's called for alot in the Thai dishes I make from time to time.
I had never heard of it either Shan, but I was amazed at how much it tastes like cilantro! Its so different looking!
Well, you'll have to share some of those Thai recipes Shannon, because I don't know what I'll use it in otherwise. Same goes for the Greek Basil, it tastes more like a dessert than something you'd put in a savory dish.
I could live without the little snakes though. If I saw one in my yard, that would be the end of my visitng the yard for certain.
LOL Katie, I always have been more of a tomboy...the only thing that really freaks me out is spiders...but even then I'm okay with them as long as they don't get in my hair!
Julie, I've never tried the lemon thyme but I'm sure I'd like it too. I'm running out of space! LOL
Thanks Steph.
Lera, you need to cook more. Or, you can grow them just because they smell so darned good! Like the Rosemary and the lavender! You can dry them and use them as potpourri...or however you spell that, LOL.
Thanks for checking it out JoAnne.
Thanks Julia. I purchased most of my plants from WholeFoods this year, they purchase them from a local organic grower. I like to support local farmers and growers whenever possible.
Tara, it just takes practice.
Me to JF, thanks.
Thanks elizabeth!
Great aren't they Jo?
Just kidding. I loved it....
Thanks DS. ;o)
P.S. I've featured this photo essay today at the Frugal Eats group here on Gather.
I've never tried to grow onions, I don't really have the space unfortunatley. But if I ever do I want to try them and potatoes too (especially after seeing how much the price has gone up on them!).
Thanks for the feature! :)
Thanks so much for posting this to All Photo Essays Here!
Love your work.
Victoria, I had a dill plant but it died already! I have to plant another because I really like dill with my fish and seafood.
Thanks Gail.
But, if you do plant from seed you can do it much cheaper. Sometimes a pack of seeds will be good for several seasons. I know I used a pack of mixed salad greens for 3 summers! The packet cost like 1.79 and I got 3 summers worth of salads out of it!
:) Suze, good, that's what I was hoping for!
You should see them now Warren! I better start doing some cooking with them quick or start drying some for use later on.
Thanks lori!
Landen, then container gardening would be perfect for your mom! Its great therapy too!
Tina, I've seen it and smelled it but never knew what I might use it for, so I never planted any.
I left my sage pot out for fall and winter and it didn't die. I now have a HUGE pot of it growing.
Need any???
I should dry some and send it to all my Gather peeps. Whether they want any or not.
Mariana, all it takes is TLC and frequent watering. ;-)