Designing an herb garden is an exercise in instant gratification; many herbs are fast-growing plants to harvest (or snip) within weeks of germination. Read on for some of our favorite types of herb gardens. 

Photo by Justine Hand

1. Medieval Herb Gardens

Photo by Jim Linwood via Flikr

In medieval times, the closed garden was home to medicinal and culinary herbs. 

Photo by Aya Brackett

2. Medicinal Herb Gardens

Photo by Jim Powell

Many common herbs have healing properties that make them essential plants in an apothecary's garden. 

Photo by Britt Willougbhy Dyer

3. Colonial Herb Gardens

Photo by Justine Hand

In colonial times, gardens planted with herbs produced tonics and aromatic air fresheners.

Photo by Justine Hand

4. Kitchen Herb Garden

Photo by George Billard

Kitchen herb gardens are extremely useful for the savvy home cook. 

Photo by George Billard

5. Indoor Herb Gardens

Photo by Erin Boyle

Photo by Erin Boyle

Indoor herb gardens, or container gardens, make growing fresh herbs feasible when there is limited outdoor space.

6. Fragrant Herb Gardens

Photo by Justine Hand

Fragrant herbs like lavender and lemon verbena can be useful in keeping pests at bay.

Photo by Justine Hand

7. Raised Bed Herb Gardens

Photo by Sarah Londsdale

Raised bed gardens keep herbs happy and separated.

Photo by Kevin Foord