Designing a Mediterranean Herb Garden: 8 Essential Perennials

Why Mediterranean Herbs?

These herbs are kitchen workhorses—flavoring meats, soups, stews, pasta, and pizza—while adding beauty to the garden. Most are evergreen in mild climates, drought-tolerant once established, and thrive in less-than-perfect soil with excellent drainage.

Our 8 Favorites

Available at nurseries or from Mountain Valley Growers (559/338-2775).

1. Italian Oregano Thyme – Zesty thyme flavor with oregano notes; great in marinades and tomato sauces. 1 ft. Zones 1–24.
2. English Thyme – Classic flavor for meats, stews, sauces. Spreading to 1 ft. Zones 1–24.
3. Lemon Thyme – Lemon-scented leaves brighten vinegars. Spreading to 1 ft. Zones 1–24.
4. Garden Sage – Shrubby perennial for stews. 1–3 ft. Zones 2–24, H1, H2.
5. 'Berggarten' Sage – Excellent in chowders, stuffing, gravy. Compact to 16 in. Zones 2–24, H1, H2.
6. Conehead Thyme – Spicy thyme flavor; purple blooms garnish salsa verde. Mounding to 3 ft. Zones 13–17, 19–24.
7. Flat-Leaf Parsley – Classic garnish. 6–12 in. Zones A3, 1–24. (Annual—replant yearly.)
8. Greek Oregano – Spiciest when harvested in bud. To 2.5 ft. Zones 8, 9, 12–24.

Other Excellent Choices

• English Lavender – Floral flavor for honey, desserts. 2 ft. Zones 2–24.
• French Tarragon – Classic for chicken, eggs. 2 ft. Zones A1–A3, 2b–10, 14–24.
• Rosemary – Intense peppery flavor for grilled meats. 1–6 ft. Zones 4–24, H1, H2.
• Sweet Marjoram – Milder, floral oregano alternative. 1–2 ft. Zones 8–24.

Planting Tips

Full sun. Water regularly the first year to establish. All are perennials except parsley.