An All-time Favorite Herb for the Garden

Over ten years ago, one herb we acquired for our kitchen garden soon became a favorite foliage plant throughout the property. One 4” pot of creeping golden Marjoram has turned into drifts of chartreuse throughout the borders, terraces, walls and steps. One small plant has provided over 100 square feet of luminous vegetation and is still going strong. This unique herb compliments difficult areas that otherwise would remain bare. It can handle dry, hot conditions and its color adds an unusual hue that can’t be found in many plants of similar growth habit. You can combine this herb with drifts of roses, skirt splashy Hostas, or it can be used by itself, planted in the crevices of a stone terrace or retaining wall.

To expand your plant palette, don’t just think annuals or perennials for seasonal interest – think herbs. Some culinary herbs have amazing ornamental value. Golden Marjoram can be hard to find but it is worth the hunt. Vincent Van Gogh reminds us of the importance of bright colors in our gardens. "How wonderful yellow is. It stands for the sun." Hopefully we will see glimpses of the sun this weekend. If not, plant some golden Marjoram in your gardens.

All Creeping Golden Marjoram photos taken by Greg Bilowz