An interesting and yet useful theme for your kitchen garden, is to grow a Roman Cook's Garden. If you have a sunny area, or use a portable container system that can be moved with the sunlight, then this Roman Cook's garden theme would be perfect!
Although not exhaustive, here are 10 easy to find herbs, that can be grown in a Roman Themed garden.
1. Anise
For more uses with Anise:
2. Basil
© A.Jeanroy
Basil is such a delicious flavor, it should come as no surprise that it was used in Roman recipes. Be certain that you grow extra. Basil freezes very well, and keeps its heady flavor.
For more uses with Basil:
3. Bay
© Ndrwfgg
Perfect for rich dishes, Bay is still used as it was back in Roman times.
For more uses with Bay:
4. Mint
© Summer Tomato
More than a tea herb, mint can be used in many main dishes. Simple to grow, mint should remain in a container to check its enthusiastic growing habit - making it perfect for a container garden.
Start from a well labeled plant, in order to ensure that your variety is true. Do not allow it to flower near another mint, or it will regrow with a different flavor the next year.
For more uses with Mint:
5. Coriander
© A.Jeanroy
Make the most of your garden space, and grow this double duty herb. When young, coriander is knows as Cilantro. Allow Cilantro to go to seed and voila'! You have Coriander.
I like to grow two beds of Cilantro, one for keeping cut and one I allow to go to seed. That way, I have enough of both flavors.
For more uses with Coriander:
6. Dill
Dill is a showy herb, great for light dishes and of course pickling. Romans knew of its flavor and included Dill in many of their dishes.
For more uses with Dill:
7. Garlic
© Carbon NYC
Garlic has a long history of culinary and medicinal uses. Romans loved to include garlic in much of their food, just the same way we do today.
For more uses with Garlic:
8. Hyssop
© Lemon Meringue Pie
Not just for ornamental use, Romans used Hyssop in their recipes, enjoying their sweet scented blooms.
For more uses with Hyssop:
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9. Parsley
© A.Jeanroy
Parsley is once again showing itself as a useful and historically interesting herb. Since Roman times, it has been used to freshen breath and brighten recipes with its light, green taste.
For more uses with Parsley:
10. Savory
© A. Jeanroy
Savory has a rich and documented history in the culinary world. It is a bit tender below zone 6, so you may need to baby it a little. The flavor is well worth the effort. Here in Zone 5a, I bring it into the unheated greenhouse for the winter, with some success.
For more uses with Savory:
