23 Fragrant Perennial Herbs for a Lush and Delectable Garden

Whether used in appetizers, main dishes, or cocktails, fresh herbs add a depth of flavor you can't duplicate with dried. While many herbs such as cilantro and basil aren't cold-hardy and must be planted every year, perennial herbs, such as thyme and sage, return every spring. Plant them once, and you'll enjoy them for years to come! It's also gratifying to walk outside your door and snip off just what you need for every dish, rather than purchasing those big bunches that always seem to wilt in your crisper drawer long before you use them.

Herbs also do well in containers, so you can enjoy their cottage garden charm whether you have a rambling back yard or just a few pots on the patio. Mix them with ornamentals, or use them to edge garden beds or pathways. Creeping herbs such as thyme also make attractive and practical groundcovers. Best of all, when perennial herbs are left to flower, they bloom for weeks and attract beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They're also incredibly lovely, fragrant and long-lasting in a mixed bouquet cut from your garden. Most herbs prefer full sun, which is 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day, so make sure to consider that factor when planting.

Ahead, our top picks for perennial herbs to make your garden and kitchen more productive and beautiful: