People have been gardening with herbs since 4000 B.C. Throughout history, these plants were grown for medicinal as well as culinary purposes. Today, most gardeners grow them mostly for flavor as well as their beauty.

A simple definition of an herb is a plant that has an added use for people, separate from a plant's aesthetic beauty in the garden. I like how these plants display this added dimension.

Herbs can be used formally or informally in your garden plans. Woody-stemmed herbs such as Rosemary, look great as topiary specimens.

They add structure to the formal garden and every time you give them a trim, their scent is suppose to stimulate the mind. Trained into a standard, a stately Sweet bay tree, whose leaves were used to crown warriors as well as victorious athletes in ancient Rome, stands elegantly at a home's entrance, welcoming guests while providing its leaves for dinner.

The clove-scented green leaves of sweet basil complement the purple-red leaves of the Opal basil in a formal knot garden as well as adding color and spice in a salad bowl.

Or, design with herbs more casually and pot them up in humble terra cotta. Organize a jumble of single pots in a window box where you can enjoy scent and flavor. Try scattering lavender petals into a relaxing bath and breathe in its clean fragrance.

Planting herbs is like planting a map of a beautiful world filled with history and symbolism. They also make a thoughtful and useful gift for Mother's Day.

Ideas, comments or questions? E-mail Susan Randstrom at susansgreengarden@gmail.com