This Year's Herb Garden

I've always planted a few herbs in a section of my garden that was designated just for them.  Last summer I planted a few in my newly made raised beds.   Last year I used my half whiskey barrel to plant potatoes, but that failed because I forgot to drill drainage holes in the bottom and everything rotted.  So this year, I decided to use the barrel for my herbs.   

  Since the barrel isn't huge I decided to plant just one each of the herbs I use most often for cooking.  The barrel gives me a nice place to keep them nearby for using and elevates them off the ground.  Elevating them off the ground and covering them with cut bent branches, gives them some protection from my chickens, who like to eat everything I plant.  And if they don't eat it, they dig it up.  Now they could get in there if they wanted to, but so far, they have left them alone.  

  I look forward to being able to snip fresh herbs for meals.  Parsley, chives,  and basil are a staple for any herb garden.

  I love herbs.  I must admit that even though I've grown them for years, it's been more because I love the variety of textures and color they add to a garden.  This year I plan to use them more for cooking, although this container planting does add a nice aesthetic touch to the garden area. ~ I tucked in a couple leftover marigolds for a touch of color . . .  

and hovering over the herbs is a metal hummingbird  that I love and have had for years.  

So if you have limited garden space or just want to keep your herbs next to your back door on a deck, a half whiskey barrel is a great solution for these issues and adds a beautiful aesthetic touch at the same time.