This is for you if you're all about low-maintenance gardening with high rewards!
If you’ve ever planted a garden and felt frustrated starting over each year, you’re not alone. That’s where perennials come in. These are plants that live for more than two years, returning each growing season—often bigger and better than the year before. Compare that to annuals, which complete their life cycle in one year: you plant them in the spring, harvest, and then die off when the weather changes. Perennials save time, money, and effort—and many of them thrive with very little maintenance.
Let’s look at five versatile perennial herbs you can plant once and enjoy for seasons (even decades!) to come:
Rosemary
This woody herb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant and makes a beautiful, fragrant hedge. Use it fresh or dried to elevate roasted veggies, chicken, or even bread.
Thyme
Thyme grows low and spreads nicely, making it great for borders or in between stepping stones. It’s delicious in soups, stews, and marinades.
Sage
With its soft, silvery leaves, sage is pretty and packed with earthy flavor. Think Thanksgiving stuffing, roasted squash, or even sage butter for pasta.
Oregano
This is a Mediterranean must-have for pizza, pasta, and anything tomato-based. It thrives in sunny spots and can get a bit wild if you let it, so feel free to trim often.
Lemon Balm
A member of the mint family, lemon balm has a light citrusy scent and is perfect for teas, desserts, or adding a fresh twist to salads. It’s calming tasty, and the bees love it. Learn about other plants that bees love HERE!
Here are a few tips to get started:
- Choose a sunny, well-drained spot for most of these herbs.
- Trim them regularly to encourage growth and prevent them from getting woody.
- Mulch in colder climates to protect the roots during winter.
Adding perennial herbs to your garden means less replanting, more flavor, and a garden that gets better with time. They’re a smart, sustainable choice—especially if you love cooking with fresh ingredients straight from your backyard.
Happy gardening!
