Transform Your Backyard: Creating a Bountiful Kitchen Herb Garden (Before & After Guide)

Embark on a delightful journey to cultivate your very own kitchen herb garden. This comprehensive guide provides an intimate look at a small kitchen herb garden, showcasing its remarkable transformation before and after planting. We’ll share a detailed list of the plants utilized, along with invaluable tips and insights for designing, planting, and maintaining your own productive herb oasis. Dive deeper as we reveal updated photos of the garden through various seasons, illustrating its evolution and impressive growth over time.

Our journey to create this charming kitchen herb garden was an integral part of a much larger outdoor renovation project. While we were deep in the process of transforming our backyard deck – evolving from a sprawling, impractical, and frankly rotting wooden structure into multiple distinct outdoor “rooms” gracefully connected by winding gravel paths – the completion of this small herb garden, mere steps from our kitchen, marked a significant milestone. This ambitious backyard makeover was a multi-month endeavor, a true DIY project that demanded a phased approach due to a combination of financial considerations, time constraints, and the unpredictable whims of the weather. The sheer scale of the undertaking meant we had to tackle it one step at a time, but the vision of a functional and beautiful outdoor space kept us motivated.

Among all the elements of the redesign, the herb garden was the area I was most eager to complete, particularly in the spring. This timing was crucial for two main reasons: spring offers the optimal conditions for planting most herbs, allowing them to establish robust root systems before the heat of summer; and secondly, I knew firsthand the immense practical utility this garden would bring to our daily lives. Imagine the convenience of fresh, aromatic herbs always at your fingertips, ready to elevate any dish.

What I didn’t fully anticipate, however, was the profound joy and satisfaction this small kitchen herb garden would bring. It quickly became one of my absolute favorite features of our home and garden. I derive immense pleasure from simply gazing at it, whether I’m outside enjoying the fresh air or looking out from the kitchen window while preparing meals. The ease with which I can step out one of our back doors to snip a sprig of rosemary, a few thyme leaves, or a handful of chives for a recipe is unparalleled. This direct access to fresh ingredients has genuinely transformed our cooking experience, making it not just more flavorful but also more enjoyable. It truly is, without exaggeration, one of the best additions we’ve ever made to our home.

Our Herb Garden Transformation: Before and After

Let’s take a nostalgic stroll down memory lane to truly appreciate the remarkable transformation. Here’s a glimpse of what this particular area looked like when it was still part of the expansive, dilapidated deck, long before we began the arduous but rewarding process of dismantling it:

Even in this single photograph, the tell-tale signs of rot and decay are evident in various sections of the old deck. Beyond the obvious structural issues, it’s perhaps even more important to grasp how challenging it was to utilize such a vast, undifferentiated wooden expanse effectively. There was no clear purpose or flow, and as you can see, my potted plants looked rather isolated and lonely amidst the sea of wood, struggling to create any real impact or sense of a garden. This sprawling deck felt more like a barrier than an invitation to outdoor living, failing to connect with the natural surroundings or offer practical benefits.

Then, back in April, we undertook the significant task of removing the majority of the old deck structure. In its place, we framed in a new, more appropriately sized small back porch deck positioned right off the French doors. This strategic removal left us with a distinct, manageable area situated precisely between this new small porch and the mudroom door porch, which is visible on the left side of the image below:

While certainly not a sprawling expanse, this newly defined area, nestled between our two back doors, was perfectly suited for its intended purpose. I envisioned a compact yet highly functional space that would allow for effortless access to fresh herbs. The goal was to be able to swiftly step out the back door and snip sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or chives whenever a recipe called for them, eliminating the need for a lengthy trek to a distant garden bed. Its modest size was actually an advantage, ensuring everything was within arm’s reach.

A crucial note on planting preferences: The decision to establish an herb garden directly in the ground, rather than continuing with potted arrangements, was deeply rooted in past experiences. During the years the large deck was in place, I experimented with growing various herbs in pots. While some thrived temporarily, many, especially rosemary, never reached their full potential. Moreover, potted herbs demanded significantly more attention, primarily daily watering, which became a constant chore. An in-ground garden, conversely, offered superior soil stability, better moisture retention, and ample space for roots to spread, leading to healthier, more vigorous plants with less daily maintenance. This practical consideration was paramount in our garden planning.

Designing Your Functional Herb Garden Space

TIP for Garden Pathways: Even if your designated herb garden area is modest in size – ours measured approximately 7 feet by 11 feet – incorporating a functional pathway is absolutely essential. A well-designed path ensures easy access to all your herbs for harvesting, weeding, and general maintenance without compacting the soil or trampling delicate plants. There are numerous attractive options for pathways: you can opt for classic brick, as we did, or choose from pavers, stepping stones, or a more rustic path constructed from gravel or wood chips. The choice ultimately depends on your aesthetic preferences, budget, and the overall style of your backyard. Our particular design benefited from existing materials; we had removed a small section of brick when constructing the mudroom porch to the left of the garden, making it a natural and cost-effective choice to repurpose these bricks for our new herb garden path.

The ground beneath where our herb garden now flourishes had been hidden and compacted under the deck for three decades. This meant that before any planting could commence, significant soil amending was absolutely necessary to prepare a healthy foundation for the herbs. This process, involving breaking up compacted earth and incorporating nutrient-rich materials, naturally takes time and effort. However, my wonderful husband, Brian, took on the challenge with enthusiasm. As a thoughtful birthday gift in late May, he dedicated himself to finishing the brick path and meticulously preparing the soil, allowing me the perfect opportunity to begin planting in June. His hard work truly set the stage for the garden’s success, making it an even more special endeavor.

TIP for Soil Preparation: While many common herbs are remarkably resilient and can tolerate less-than-perfect soil conditions, it is always a wise and highly recommended practice to amend the soil thoroughly when establishing any new garden bed. This is especially true if the area has suffered from severe compaction, as ours had, or if you are converting a section of sod into a planting space. Incorporating organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or other soil conditioners significantly improves soil structure, enhances drainage, boosts nutrient availability, and encourages healthy root development. Investing time in proper soil preparation at the outset will pay dividends in the form of healthier, more vigorous, and productive herb plants for years to come.

And now, after all the planning, hard work, and patient waiting, this is the picturesque and practical view that greets us every time we step out our back doors:

Isn’t the newly laid brick path absolutely lovely? It not only provides essential access but also adds a significant aesthetic charm to the small kitchen herb garden. We did have to purchase a handful of additional bricks to seamlessly complete the path, ensuring a cohesive look. However, the vast majority of the materials used, including many of the plants, were either repurposed or already on hand, making this a remarkably cost-effective and sustainable gardening project. Most of the perennial herbs were carefully transplanted from pots where they had resided for years on our old deck, giving them a new lease on life in the fertile ground. To complement these, I introduced a few beloved annual herbs that I cultivate every year, such as fragrant basil and vibrant parsley. Additionally, I splurged on a couple of inexpensive but desirable new herbs, like the delightful lemon thyme and savory, to diversify the garden’s offerings. The blend of established favorites and exciting new additions created a dynamic and productive herb patch right outside our kitchen.

List of Herbs Flourishing in Our Garden:

• Rosemary (2 plants): A robust, evergreen herb perfect for Mediterranean cooking. Its woody stems and fragrant needles are a staple in our kitchen.
• Lemon Verbena (1 plant, positioned in center pot): Known for its intense lemony scent and flavor, ideal for teas, desserts, and poultry. Keeping it in a pot allows for easy relocation in colder months.
• Savory (1 plant): A versatile herb, particularly good with beans and meats. It offers a peppery, slightly piney flavor.
• Italian Parsley (1 plant) & Curly Parsley (1 plant): Essential garnishes and flavor enhancers for almost any savory dish. Having both varieties offers textural and visual appeal.
• Greek Oregano (1 plant): A classic culinary herb with a pungent, earthy flavor, indispensable for Italian and Greek cuisine.
• Mint (1 plant, contained in large pot on the right): Planted in a pot to prevent its notoriously invasive spreading habit, mint is fantastic for teas, cocktails, and lamb dishes.
• Chives (2 plants): Mild, onion-flavored green shoots that add a delicate touch to salads, eggs, and creamy sauces.
• Large Leaf Basil (2 plants): An annual herb, beloved for pesto, caprese salads, and Italian cooking. We make sure to plant fresh ones every spring.
• Peppermint (in urns): Another mint variety, perfect for teas and cooling beverages, also contained in urns for aesthetic and practical reasons.
• Common Thyme (1 plant): A foundational herb for stews, roasted vegetables, and poultry, offering earthy, subtle notes.
• Lemon Thyme (1 plant): A delightful variation with a citrusy aroma, excellent with fish or chicken.
• Variegated Thyme (1 plant): Chosen not just for its subtle flavor but also for its beautiful foliage, adding visual interest to the garden.
• French Lavender (2 plants): These proved to be exceptional performers, lasting significantly longer and thriving better than English lavender in our climate. Highly recommended for both beauty and fragrance, though primarily ornamental in this culinary garden.

Effective garden planning extends beyond just plants; it also involves anticipating and integrating practical necessities. When designing this kitchen herb garden, I meticulously accounted for the placement and function of our garden hose. The bricks at the foot of the new step leading from the mudroom porch were specifically arranged to create an easily accessible area for the hose to be pulled out and utilized. Furthermore, a sturdy 4-inch by 4-inch post, strategically placed at the corner where the garden transitions to the gravel path, serves as an ingenious hose guide. This simple yet effective addition prevents the hose from inadvertently crushing or damaging the tender herbs as it’s being dragged or retracted. Such thoughtful consideration in the design phase ensures both the beauty and functionality of the space.

TIP for Garden Utility Planning: Always incorporate the practical aspects of garden maintenance into your initial design plans. Thinking ahead about how you will access and use garden equipment – such as hose placement, making areas easily navigable for wheelbarrows, or designing convenient storage solutions – can dramatically streamline your gardening efforts. Proactive planning for these utilities will undoubtedly make your garden life much easier and more enjoyable in the long run, saving you frustration and effort during daily tasks.

To enhance the visual balance and create a sense of symmetry within the garden layout, we installed another matching post on the opposite side of the garden (which is visible in the previous photograph). For now, these posts are temporarily adorned with some charming solar lights we already owned, providing a soft glow in the evenings. Our long-term plan, however, is to crown them with elegant wooden finials, adding a more refined and permanent decorative touch to the garden’s structure. (Update: Scroll further down to see how these posts eventually looked with their custom-made finials installed, completing the design vision).

The Ingenious DIY Wooden Hose Box

I simply must highlight one of Brian’s truly wonderful creations: the wooden hose box, which you can spot nestled in the upper right corner of the garden. This piece is nothing short of brilliant! Its design offers unparalleled ease of use – gone are the days of wrestling with a tangled hose or the frustrating task of manually reeling it back into place (a chore that, if we’re honest, hardly ever happened, leading to hoses strewn haphazardly across the yard). Now, retracting and neatly storing our hoses within this perfectly sized box is a simple, quick operation. To ensure it remains securely in place and doesn’t shift, it is firmly screwed to the side of the porch, making it an integrated and stable fixture of the garden.

Before Brian conceived of this DIY solution, we had explored various commercial options, including those decorative pots specifically designed to hold hoses. However, we consistently found them to be surprisingly expensive, and more often than not, they were only capable of accommodating a standard 50-foot hose. Our custom-built wooden hose box, by contrast, comfortably houses both our substantial 75-foot garden hose AND our 50-foot spiral hose, all within one discreet and tidy unit. This capacity is a game-changer for keeping our gardening area neat and organized.

But arguably the absolute best part of this fantastic hose box? We didn’t spend a single dime on its construction! It was crafted entirely from various pieces of scrap wood we already had lying about, truly embodying the spirit of resourceful DIY. I cannot recommend a homemade hose box like this enough for anyone looking for an efficient, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing solution to garden hose storage. It’s a testament to how creative problem-solving can lead to truly exceptional and practical garden improvements.

Gardening with pets can sometimes present unique challenges, and we quickly discovered this shortly after completing our herb garden. Within just a few days of adding fresh soil and plants, we noticed that our dog, with his boundless curiosity and energy, developed a strong affinity for the newly disturbed earth. Between his enthusiastic digging sessions and his frequent dashes through the garden on his way to the back door, our newly planted herbs didn’t stand much of a chance. It became clear that a solution was needed to protect our delicate plants without impeding his access to the yard.

Our response was both simple and highly effective: I strategically placed a pair of attractive urns, charmingly planted with mint, at the main opening of the garden path. These urns served as a visual and physical deterrent. Complementing this, I constructed a simple bamboo fence using spare pieces we had on hand from our clumping bamboo plant. This lightweight, natural barrier was positioned to gently guide him away from the herb beds. And believe it or not, this combination worked wonders – our furry friend now consistently stays on the designated path, respecting the boundaries of the herb garden. The best part? The cost for this pet-friendly solution was absolutely nothing, a detail you know I always appreciate. This serves as a perfect reminder that sometimes the most effective solutions are the simplest and most resourceful ones.

TIP for Pet-Friendly Gardening: When planning your garden, always anticipate the potential impact of your beloved pets! Whether it’s playful digging, curious nibbling, or simply running through garden beds, pets can quickly undo your hard work. Consider incorporating physical barriers like low fences or strategically placed pots, using natural deterrents, or even dedicating a specific “digging zone” for them. Proactive planning can save your plants and ensure a harmonious coexistence between your garden and your furry companions.

TIP for Year-Round Appeal: To ensure your garden remains visually engaging and provides structure throughout every season, strategically incorporate evergreen plants into your design. Evergreens offer definition, color, and texture even when deciduous plants have shed their leaves or herbaceous perennials have died back for the winter. They are the backbone of a year-round garden, ensuring there’s always something beautiful to admire.

Following this principle, I carefully selected and positioned evergreen plants on each corner of our herb garden to provide crucial definition and continuous visual interest regardless of the season. On the outside corners, I transplanted a couple of dwarf boxwood shrubs that had previously resided in urns. These compact, slow-growing evergreens provide a neat, formal structure. For the inside corners, I chose French lavender. Beyond its fragrant blooms, its silvery-green foliage offers a consistent presence and beautiful texture throughout the year, truly enhancing the garden’s enduring appeal.

Evolution of Our Herb Garden: Updates Through the Seasons

A garden is a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving and offering new lessons with each passing season. Here, we delve into the journey of our herb garden, chronicling its growth, changes, and the adaptations we made through the years and seasons.

Summer 2013 (Approximately Two Years After Initial Planting):

• By this point, the garden was truly coming into its own. The two rosemary bushes planted in the back had grown considerably, developing into impressive, robust specimens. Their woody structure provided a fantastic evergreen backdrop and a continuous supply of their fragrant needles.
• On the right side of the garden, the annual basil plants were flourishing, producing abundant, aromatic leaves perfect for summer pestos and fresh Italian dishes. The vibrant green of the basil contrasted beautifully with the other herbs.
• The narrow evergreens, which had been thoughtfully placed in the corner pots, continued to provide essential structure and a touch of formality, anchoring the garden design even as the other plants cycled through their seasonal growth. This photo truly captures the garden in a state of confident maturity, fulfilling its promise of beauty and utility.
• During this summer, we focused on regular harvesting to encourage bushier growth and prevent the herbs from becoming leggy. The consistent availability of fresh herbs made cooking a joy.

Spring 2014 – Replanting and Renewal After a Challenging Winter:

• The winter preceding this spring was unusually harsh, with temperatures plummeting to a brutal -10 degrees Fahrenheit. This severe cold took a significant toll on our garden, and regrettably, we lost a number of plants, including the magnificent large rosemary bushes that had thrived in the previous seasons. It was a stark reminder of nature’s power and the importance of understanding plant hardiness zones. I documented this challenging period and our detailed replant plan in a separate article here, offering insights into recovery and adaptation strategies.
• Despite the losses, we viewed this setback as an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to experiment with new plant varieties and refine the garden’s layout. It allowed us to re-evaluate what worked best in our climate and adjust our planting choices accordingly.
• This photo clearly shows the addition of elegant finials atop the corner posts, providing a more finished and decorative touch that had been part of our long-term plan. You can also observe how the mint plants were now thriving in the large pots, their vibrant green leaves bringing a fresh burst of color. Notably, the resilient chives had breezed through the intense cold, demonstrating their incredible hardiness and proving to be a reliable staple in our garden even after a severe winter.
• We also took this opportunity to introduce more winter-hardy varieties and perhaps experiment with some cold-frame protection for less resilient herbs in the future, learning valuable lessons about extending the growing season.

Fall 2015 – A Garden in Full Splendor with Enhanced Design:

 

This article has been comprehensively updated and expanded to include new photos and insights. It was originally published in July of 2011.