From the dawn of mankind, herbs have protected our health and flavored our food. Early on, our ancestors knew the healing properties of the herbs in their native lands. In their nomadic travels they amassed a wealth of knowledge on "foreign" herbs as well. Had it not been for the healing powers of herbs, doubtless we would not have survived to the point where man-made drugs surpassed the importance of nature's bounty. As time passes, we recognize the need for ever stronger remedies to fight off bacteria and viruses that are becoming more and more resistant. Thus the quest was launched to determine the basis for our ancestors' herbal cures. Not only were herbs indispensable medicinally, they were greatly appreciated for making even the most bland of meals more palatable. And what would we have done without all of those great herbal teas and punches, not to mention Dandelion wine. Strong infusions of herbs boiled in water colored almost all of our ancestors' clothing and upholstery fabrics. As mankind became more sophisticated, herbs came to be used in potpourris (scented mixtures of dried herbs and flowers), sachets (scented pouches used to fragrance lingerie and linens or to tuck into one's handbag), scented candles, pomanders and incenses to make pleasant odors and to enhance our surroundings.

During the height of the Victorian Era it was fashionable to give "tussie-mussies" (a tiny, frilly nosegay) which in the language of flowers and herbs told the receiver, without words, what the sender wanted to say. Herbal decorating also came into its own at this time with fresh or dried bouquets, wreaths, and garlands festooned with bits of ribbon, lace and flowers. Dried and pressed herbs or flowers adorned note cards and were often framed for hanging. Somewhere along the way, our obsession created a whole new industry based on herbs-the cosmetic industry. Oh, bless those facial and body lotions, perfumes, oils, soaps, shampoos, rinses, toothpaste and mouthwashes, and last but certainly most important-makeup.

All herbs, whether sun-loving or shade-loving, require a loose friable soil that drains well. In Houston this translates as raised beds and containers. With the few exceptions noted below, herbs want average moisture, never one extreme or the other. Most, once established, are quite drought tolerant and can pull through moderate periods of dry weather - not necessarily in tip-top condition, but alive never-the-less. The grey leaved herbs, especially, fall into this category.

Their reflective foliage color evolved over the centuries as protection from extreme conditions. The great majority want sunny areas with good air circulation and all respond well to regular pruning. Herbs are not especially heavy feeders - a monthly application of fish emulsion or manure will be sufficient. To minimize insect and fungal problems, clean up garden debris and use pesticides and fungicides when needed. READ THE LABEL. Know the recommended time between application and harvest of crop.

Each herb garden is unlike the next - there is no correct way to lay one out. Gardens may be formal, complete with brick or stone paths, foundations, statuary and topiaries. Or they may be informal, winding their way along a split-rail fence or intermingling with flowers and vegetable. They may even be grown entirely in containers on a high-rise balcony.

Popular for thousands of years before the birth of Christ, herb garden themes have waxed and waned in popularity, but several versions have withstood the test of time. The following lists some of the most popular:

Culinary

Anise, Basil, Bay, Borage, Burnet, Caraway, Chervil, Chives, Coriander, Dill, Garlic, Horehound, Horseradish, Hyssop, Lavender, Leek, Marjoram, Mint, Onion, Oregano, Parsley, Peppers, Rocket, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Sesame, Shallot, Sorrell, Tarragon

Tea

Basil, Bee Balm, Borage, Catnip, Chamomile, Dill, Fennel, Goldenrod, Hibiscus, Horehound, Jasmine, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Marjoram, Mint, Parsley, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Strawberry, Tansy, Thyme

Frangrances

Basil, Bee Balm, Burnet, Catnip, Chamomile, Heliotrope, Hyssop, Jasmines, , Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Scented Geraniums, Southernwood, Sweet Olive, Tansy, Tarragon, Thyme, Violet, Yarrow

Flowers

Anise, Bee Balm, Borage, Calendula, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Chamomile, Chervil, Columbine, Coriander, Dandelion, Delphinium, Dianthus, Dill, Fennel Flower, Foxglove, Ginger, Goldenrod, Heiliotrope, Hollyhock, Hyssop, Johnny-Jump-Up, Larkspur, Lavender, Narcissus, Rose, Rosemary, Saffron-Crocus, Sunflower, Tansy, Thyme, Violet, Yarrow

Silver/Grey

Aloe, Apple Mint, Carnation, Germander, Grey Santolina, Horehound, Lamb's Ears, Lavender, Nutmeg, Geranium, Oregano, Pineapple Mint, Rosemary, Silver Sage, Silver Tansy, Southernwood, Tricolor Sage, Wormwood, Yarrow

Bees

Basil, Bee Balm, Borage, Catnip, Chamomile, Fennel (sweet), Germander, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Marjoram, Oregano, Red Clover, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Winter Savory