Herb gardening is one of the fastest growing areas of
gardening in the country. The National Gardening Association says
one out of three gardeners are buying herbs. But what grows well
in Georgia? Where should you plant them? How can you use
them?

Two University of Georgia employees, Wayne and Sylvia
McLaurin, teamed up to write “Herbs in Southern Gardens.” Wayne
is an Extension Service horticulturist with the College of
Agricultural and Environmental Science. Sylvia works with the
Georgia Center for Continuing Education. Her expertise for the
book comes from years as a trained Master Gardener.

The book, which has sold more than 700 copies since it
was released earlier this year, features a visual feast of 47
color plates, an herbal glossary and recipes. But that’s just
the beginning.

“Herb cultivation is probably one of the best things in
there,” Wayne McLaurin says.

Chapters cover such topics as indoor and container
planting, pests and diseases, companion planting, harvesting and
preserving, special uses of herbs, herbs in cookery and
decorative herbs. There’s even a chapter especially
for beginners.

Herb cultivation recommendations are laid out in a helpful
chart listing planting season, spacing, propagation, growth
pattern and light requirements. It covers 52 herbs from anise to
yarrow, including some little-known plants such as costmary,
lovage, patchouli and santolina.

To order a copy of “Herbs in Southern Gardens,” write
Regina Davis, Agricultural Business Office, Room 203 Conner Hall,
the University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602. The book costs
$5, including shipping and handling. No credit cards are
accepted, and prepayment is required.