  Asian garden: lemon grass, red lettuce, cilantro, scallions, Thai basil and bok choy.
 This planter holds mint and rosemary, two herbs commonly used in lamb dishes.
 Keep some common poultry seasonings on hand--sage, curly-leaf parsley and thyme.
 Italian garden: thyme, bay, scallions, garlic chives, Italian flatleaf parsley and two varieties of basil.
 The garnish garden has ornamental kale and cabbage, plus pansies.
Remember to keep your garden organic if you're planning on eating any of its ingredients.
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There's nothing like having fresh herbs close at hand when you're cooking your favorite dishes. And if you have favorite cuisines--Asian, French, Italian or Mexican, for example--you can create a gourmet dish garden that features the herbs and vegetables you'll want to have. All you need is a large container, good potting soil, a selection of plants and a bright spot indoors. Here are some gourmet gardens, plus a garnish garden that's full of choices to decorate your favorite dishes.
Asian Garden
bok choy
carrots
cayenne peppers
Chinese cabbage
cilantro
garlic
ginger
greens, various
lemongrass
mung bean sprouts
radishes, long
red lettuce
scallions
snow peas
spinach
Thai basil
turnips
French Garden
basil
bay
Brussels sprouts
carrots
chervil
chicory
chives
dill
endive
French tarragon
leeks
marjoram
oregano
parsley
rosemary
shallots
Swiss chard ('Bright Light' is especially decorative)
thyme
turnips
Italian Garden
basil, several varieties
bay
garlic chives
Italian flat-leaf parsley
scallions
thyme
Mexican Garden
chili peppers
cilantro
coriander
garlic
lime
Mexican oregano
tomatillo
Garnish Garden
ornamental cabbage
ornamental kale
pansies
General Tips
- Plant tall plants in the center of the container, with smaller plants and herbs around the edge.
- Make sure the plants you use all have the same light and water requirements.
- Combine plants in one container or grow them individually--it's up to you. Some large peppers and tomatoes may need to be grown separately because of their size and light needs.
- If you cook with lamb, fill a planter with rosemary and mint and keep it handy in the kitchen.
- Plant a garden for flavoring poultry, with sage, curly-leafed parsley and thyme.
- Remember to plant organically so that your harvest is safe to eat.
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