A window box outside a screenless kitchen window is a perfect place to grow fresh herbs and provides an opportunity for hungry mosquitoes. Few herbs provide colorful blooms like the more popular seasonal annuals, but many provide appealing and compact foliage. Parsley, rosemary and thyme—but not sage—are all suitable for window boxes, as are mint, basil and chives. Trailing rosemary is better than more shrubby forms and must be confined by pruning. Because window boxes are in direct proximity to exterior walls and are higher than grade, they are closer to eaves, so would be too shaded to grow most herbs if below windows that face north. Window boxes should not be attached directly to walls but suspended slightly away from the walls. Rot would otherwise likely become a problem.

Herbs, of course, need not be grown exclusively in window boxes or pots outside the kitchen door. They are also useful in the garden and landscape. In fact, there is so much variation of form among herbs that some are more suitable for functions other than filling window boxes. For example, sweet bay is actually a small tree that may be confined by pruning or even sheared into a formal hedge. And trailing rosemary is useful as a groundcover.

Contrary to their variation in form, different herbs have similar cultural requirements. They generally prefer full sun exposure and well-drained soil. This is why they are sometimes grown separately in an "herb garden." Some can eventually become invasive. Mint, oregano and thyme, which are all incidentally in the same family, proliferate by stolons (subterranean stems). Chives, dill, fennel and cilantro may seed profusely. Basil is not so invasive, but is often given a larger part of an herb garden because it is used in larger quantities than can be supplied by a window box.

Like vegetables, many herbs are easily grown from seed, but some are planted as small seedlings, rooted cuttings or even somewhat-mature plants. Basil is easily grown from seed and is used in such substantial quantities that it is most practical to grow it from seed. Cilantro and parsley are likewise most commonly grown from seed. Chives, dill, thyme and oregano are easily grown from seed, but are more commonly planted as established seedlings because they are required in such minimal quantities and because they grow so profusely. Sweet bay, rosemary, sage and mint should be planted as established plants.

Donna Ahern of Belle Vie Gardens and Nursery will discuss herb culture and use during Garden Accents on May 16 at 11 a.m. Belle Vie Gardens and Nursery is located at 14035 Columbet Ave. in San Martin and may be contacted at 408.686.0146 or online at www.belleviegardens.com. The Succulent Wreath Workshop happens even sooner: May 14 at 10 a.m.

Shrubbery of the Week:
Silverberry

Silverberry, Elaeagnus pungens, is useful as a barrier hedge because trespassers only go through it once. Sharp thorns are not abundant, but combined with stiff, angular stems, they effectively convince anyone that a second attempt at through passage is not a good idea. Silverberry may be as high and wide as 12 feet, but can be pruned or even sheared into hedges. It is tolerant of heat and exposure, so is useful in areas that are too harsh for other species.

The name "silverberry" is derived from the metallic foliar spots that exhibit a distinctive sheen. The grayish leaves are approximately two inches long with undulating margins. Autumn bloom is not significant, but is slightly fragrant, and is followed by silvery-red, half-inch long berries that birds enjoy. The most popular cultivars produce foliage that is variegated with silver or gold blotches or margins.

Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.