Herbs! Herbs! Herbs!

Spring is approaching! Depending on where you live, I'd say you better get going on starting your herb garden if you haven't yet already!
Note: you can always jump start or grow them year around from the inside of your kitchen window! Fresh herbs really make all the difference in the flavor of your food! Eventually, you'll learn to love your herb plant friends, and find yourself very grateful for what they produce for you!
Don't know where to start? So many options you say? Here are five essential choices I feel you won't be disappointed with.
1- Chives.
With spring and summer coming these add a wonderful bounce of flavor to any dish, a lovely light zip and refreshing flavor to things like, sauces, poultry, salads or even make beautiful garnish!
2- Thyme.
This is one of those herbs where you will notice when a recipe calls for it, it generally calls for a good amount. Your guaranteed to get your use out of this beautifully scented herb. I preferably love lemon thyme. It has a bit more of a citrus light flavor, then the usual thyme. Ideal for, marinades, soups, stews, and salad dressings.
3- Basil.
My most favorite of all! This is one of those herbs you will find making a wonderful flavor touch to nearly any dish you make! Basil has come to be my very best friend. So much,  I grow sometimes up to five, even six varieties of basil. If this is your first time around with the herb garden, I'd recommend to stick just with sweet basil. If you know you already love the herb, go ahead and plant an additional for back up. It may not reproduce as quickly as you'd like! Goes well with any veggie dish, fresh salad, meats, dressings, garnishing and more! This herb is so versatile you wont believe the magic it can do!
4- Oregano.
Oregano comes from the mint family. If you're familiar with mint you'll notice it's fuzzy like texture that it shares. I personally have grown to love Mexican and Greek oregano, using them both in the same ways, just depending on the flavor you are looking for. Again, stick to the the simples if you aren't familiar. It's wonderful for any salad, tacos, Italian Spanish or Mexican like dishes, stews, pizza and pasta sauces, and marinades!
5- Rosemary.
This is an herb that will always continue to grow grow grow! Grow all throughout the year! It's woodsy pine like flavor is an essential herb for most winter and fall dishes, like hearty stews, roasts, rubs and marinades. But when used with a citrus balance it can really add a great delicate summer flare to the perfect dish! By the way, it is gorgeous as it gets bigger!