Herbs are one of the most versatile and useful forms of plant life around.

Throughout history, their leaves, seeds, stems, berries, blooms and roots have been prized and put to countless uses. Apart from flavouring foods, herbs have been used as medicines, salves, balms and ointments.

They have been incorporated into cosmetics, toothpastes, perfumes, hair colours, dyes, air fresheners and insect repellents.

They have flavoured liquors and other beverages and the food of every nation.

Indeed, it is very often the combination of herbs which distinguishes one cuisine from another.

They have been used as symbols of victory, and silent expressions of sentiment.

Down through the ages, the role of herbs in trade and exploration has been enormous. Where their presence has been rare, possession of herbs has been seen as a sign of wealth and position.

Today, with modern transportation and manufacturing techniques, herbs from far-off, exotic places can be found in bottles on supermarket shelves around the world.

And while that is a convenient way to acquire them, chefs will tell you flavour of processed herbs doesn't begin to compare with their garden fresh counterparts.

Botanically speaking, the word herb is derived from the Latin herba, which means grass or green crops.

Growing fresh herbs is not difficult, and they lend themselves to creative planting.

Pots, decorative planters, trays, hanging baskets and tubs make attractive containers for combinations of herbs, while gardens of all sizes make perfect locations.

In deciding which herbs to plant, consider what your requirements are. Do you wish to fill an area with something which is both functional and fragrant, such as rosemary? If you don't use marjoram in your cooking, why plant it? But if parsley is something you use a lot of, why not plant a whole border of it? Indeed, many herbs make effective borders, as well as good ground cover.

Combination plantings, as well as being practical, have great eye appeal. A clay strawberry pot filled with various herbs is not only convenient but an attractive addition to a patio or porch.

Naturally, if you are cooking with herbs, it makes sense to plant them as near to the kitchen as possible. While some will grow happily in pots on a sunny windowsill, others must grown out of doors.

If space is limited, a few cement blocks filled with soil can is a neat way to grow several herbs compactly.

Or, try removing a stone or two from a patio, and plant creeping herbs in that space. They will add an interesting dimension to an otherwise monotonous plane.

If you only have a small balcony, go vertical. Put pots filled with herbs on shelves, a small step ladder, or stacked boxes.

Other ways to be creative include planting herbs by culinary grouping.

Plant the traditional herbs for, say, Italian or Greek cuisine, in one area or container.

Or you may prefer to take the thematic approach, planting herbs specifically for teas, cooking, fragrances or dyes.

While the good cook's garden might contain rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, tarragon, chives, coriander, cumin, dill, garlic, basil, bay, marjoram and mint, someone who prefers a flowering herb garden would plant carnation, chrysanthemum, fennel, sunflower, rosemary, nasturtium, chervil, coriander and calendula -- among others.

It is useful to to know that, in addition to being edible, certain herbs also repel insects. These include basil, bay, catnip, chives, dill, garlic, marjoram, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme.

So, take time to consider what you want to achieve with your herb garden, then consult your local plant nursery or the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Parks for suitable choices, as well as tips on how to care for and nurture them.

Incidentally, if you're wondering whether the word herb is pronounced with or without the h, until the 15th century it was spelled without the h. Then the English added the h, which remained silent until the 19th century. Today, the h is pronounced in Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

HELLO, HERB! -- Fresh herbs are becoming increasingly popular with home gardeners. They have countless uses, and form an invaluable addition to any landscape. Combining beauty with practicality, herbs provide interesting forms, textures, flowers and colours to any garden design. The fact that they are useful as flavourings, fragrances, cosmetics, teas or dyes as well as being ornamental make them a boon to the gardener. Many herbs are drought-resistant, repel insects, and require very little care. In addition to garden settings, they can be grown in pots both indoors and out. In cooking, fresh herbs are irreplaceable.