Book Recommendations
Ann Marie recommends these books for herb gardeners
The Herb Garden Cookbook by Lucinda Hutson
The revised version of this wonderful book is just out and includes many new recipes.  More than a cookbook, this is the definitive source for herb gardening in Austin, Texas.  Each chapter focuses on a specific herb.  Lucinda discusses its cultivation, special techniques for Austin gardeners and then includes delicious recipes using the herb.
Herbs in the Garden -The Art of Intermingling by Rob Proctor and David Macke
This book is pure inspiration for those who hope to develop a landscape where herbs, veggies, flowers and shrubs intertwine to form an enchanting environment.  This is not a "how to" book, but rather a description of the authors' garden in Denver, Colorado.  Written in a conversational style, they discuss the importance of foliage as the structure in the garden, then continue to chapters on cottage gardens, borders, shade beds, dry land areas and even containerized plantings.
Southern Herb Growing by Madelene Hill and Gwen Barclay
Madelene is one of the great ladies of herb gardening in the United States.  Honored many times by the Herb Society of America for her achievements in  growing and using herbs, in this book she and her daughter, Gwen Barclay,  generously share the knowledge they have gained over years of gardening, traveling and cooking.  The book describes over 100 herbs and their cultivation in Southern climates, then goes on to discuss uses of herbs and includes a large selection of recipes that Hill and Barclay have served to guests.
Scented Geraniums by Jim Becker and Faye Brawner
A lovely handbook that almost guarantees success growing scented leaf geraniums.  Cultural requirements, propagation techniques and diseases are discussed in terms that the home gardener can understand.  A chapter with lovely photos and descriptions of many scented leaf geraniums in included.
Elizabeth and Her German Garden by Elizabeth von Arnim
This novel, written in 1898, is a delight for lovers of gardens.  In it Elizabeth, married to a German count, escapes into her garden as a way to avoid dealing with the social duties that were expected of a wife of her standing.  Trapped in an unhappy marriage, she was quite progressive in her thinking of women's abilities and roles and preferred digging in the dirt to attending an afternoon tea.  Interestingly enough, her thinking doesn't extend to social classes and there is a strong contrast between her progressive ideas toward women and her traditional view of the inferiority of servants and peasants.  This book may be difficult to find, if so, contact Green Prints at 1-800-569-0602.
Flora's Dictionary by Kathleen Gips
In Victorian times a bouquet of flowers was given not only as a gesture of kindness, but also to convey a message that couldn't be spoken in the restrained society.  Kathleen Gips gives us an extensive listing of the meaning of flowers that could be used today for a declaration of love, interest or even as an appropriate farewell gift for an unfaithful spouse.  If you are unable to find this book locally, it may be ordered from TM Publications at 1-800-836-9120.
A Book of Salvias by Betsy Clebsch
This book is for the Salvia aficionado.  The author presents over 100 species of salvia, discusses their appearance and cultivation, and gives little tips found from years of growing salvias.  A nice touch is the suggestion of companion plantings that have the same horticultural requirements and will complement the appearance of each Salvia discussed.  There are beautiful illustrations of most of the Salvias.
Landscaping with Herbs by Jim Wilson
This book is both inspirational and practical.  Illustrated with wonderful photos, it shows the beauty of herbs in both formal and informal landscape designs.  Mr. Wilson also discusses the basics of herb growing and covers topics such as propagation and growing conditions.  Sections on special gardens such as a fragrance garden and a silver garden are included.
The Herb Society of America Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses by Deni Bown
The mission of the Herb Society of America is to promote the knowledge, use and delight of herbs.  This reference book certainly meets this goal with its discussion of over 1000 plants.  It contains many photos and is helpful in identifying plants as well as discussing their horticultural requirements and uses.