Over the past few years the popularity of growing herbs has increased tremendously. No doubt television cooking programmes combined with the move towards more natural or alternative therapies for health, have contributed towards this trend.

Additionally many cosmetic preparations boast about the benefits of their herbal ingredients, so it's little wonder that many of us are keen to try our hand at growing them.

Herbs are not only deliciously aromatic but also contribute to a variety of contrasting colours and forms to any balcony, patio or garden. If space is limited herbs can been grown in pots and as many of them hail from the Mediterranean, terracotta pots are ideal. Strawberry planters are particularly suited for this purpose as you can plant a different herb in each pocket.

A herb such as mint (Mentha spicata) is best confined to pots as it tends to be rather invasive if planted directly into the garden.

As a general rule herbs enjoy lots of sun and a free draining soil or compost. Those with variegated foliage are however quite tolerant of light shade. Pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens) is one such herb and is quite happy to be situated out of the heat of the noon-day sun.

Varieties of the wonderfully scented lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), the British staple parsley (Petroselinum crispum) andchives (Allium schoenoprasum) are just a few of the herbs that can tolerate moist shade provided the soil does not become waterlogged.

If herbs are to be grown in the garden it is worth giving due consideration to where they will be best placed. Ideally the closer to the house the more convenient they are to use but do ensure that the area is not favoured by pets.

A site specifically designed for herbs is not only relatively easy to design and construct but can be extremely attractive and aromatic!

Choose lavender (Lavandula) for a low, less formal hedge or select a more geometric, traditional design by planting rows of box (Buxus sempervirens) to enclose and separate the herbs.

For even more formality bay (Laurus Nobilis) can be clipped into dome shapes and also used for culinary purposes but don't confuse it with laurel, which is often used for hedging and is not edible. The dense growth of box makes it ideal for this purpose and as it will be a permanent feature, soil preparation is, of course, very important.

Remove any perennial weeds and dig in plenty of organic material. Sprinkle on an all-purpose fertiliser following the manufacturer's guidelines.

Dwarf hedging plants such as box should be spaced 4"-6" apart and watered in well for the first full season. Clip box hedging 2-3 times a year during the growing season in order to encourage uniform and thick growth from the bottom up. Remember to top-dress it each year in spring with a general purpose feed.

If box is too formal try designing a herb garden utilising decorative aggregates for pathways to divide the beds. Or lift/leave out the occasional stone slab and plant herbs in the spaces.

Of course there are numerous herbs to choose from but it would be remiss of me not to mention the 'Italian' herbs - basil (Ocimum basilicum), oregano (Origanum vulgare) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris).

Fresh basil makes the perfect accompaniment for tomatoes (home grown of course!) and all three added to spaghetti sauce is an absolute must! Do remember that basil is a tender annual and will not survive a British winter. Collect enough leaves to chop and fill ice-cube trays. Top up with water, freeze and enjoy 'fresh' herbs at your leisure!

While some herbs are more suited to freezing such as basil and parsley, most can be air dried by hanging bunches in a warm place. Pick herbs for drying early in the day before the heat from the sun releases their essential oils. The secret to herbs retaining their flavour from this point on is to store them in dark containers.

There are many different herbs available at the garden centre and provided they are watered thoroughly when dry and given a liquid feed once a fortnight, your herbs will require very little maintenance apart form the occasional pruning to keep them in shape and to encourage new, fresh growth.

If you haven't grown herbs before why not give it a try? They are suprisingly easy to grow and can provide year round colour and flavour. Bon appetite!