An existing flowerbed is an ideal area for growing herbs because it gets enough sun for them to grow well and it gets watered regularly by the sprinkler system. Add a thick layer of compost and soil conditioner and begin planting, placing the largest plants in the back and the shorter herbs in front.

Sometimes when you look at a flowerbed, you don't realize how much space you have to work with: there's often a good 8"-12" between the shrubs and the turf grass. This gives you plenty or room to add some low-maintenance plants such as herbs. Existing beds need a dose of fresh nutrients every few years. To help herbs get a quick start, give the bed a healthy dose of a well-balanced fertilizer. This will help new plants as well as the older ones.

Some good plants to use in an herb border or around a mailbox are the following:

• Chives, leeks, garlic and shallots
  
• Lemongrass
  
• Tarragon
  
• Dill
  
• Rosemary
  
• Ornamental peppers
  
• Dwarf or bush tomatoes
  
• Spicy basil
  
• Italian parsley