9 Essential Herbs

Your Herb Garden

"Fresh herbs open up the senses and invite one to cook in a looser, freer way," says Carolyn Dille, cookbook author and the first chef at Chez Panisse Cafe in Berkeley.

"The pleasure they bring to the garden and the kitchen is indispensable." As the weather warms, it's time to grow some kitchen magic of your own. We've identified the tastiest, most reliable herb varieties, and included a few recipes that show them off at their best.