Recently, Rosalind attended the American Horticultural Society’s Annual Award Ceremony, where she received an award for Edible Landscaping (Sierra Club). You can see just how excited she is to be given this honor!

She was in great company with the three other winners: Armitage’s Vines and Climbers by Allan Armitage (Timber Press), From Art to Landscape by W. Gary Smith, Timber Press, and Gardening for a Lifetime by Sydney Eddison, Timber Press.

If you’d like to learn more about the AHS Book Awards, they offer a downloadable PDF, complete with reviews of each book. And, if you’d like to learn more about the American Horticultural Society, head over to their website to learn more. Here’s a quick look at their mission:

For nearly a century, the American Horticultural Society has been a major force for good in America. Our mission – blending education, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship with the art and science of horticulture – makes us a unique national organization.

On the left in back is Holy basil, the chartruese ruffled plant is basil 'Green Ruffles', the red basil is 'Red Ruben' and the basil with small leaves on the right side is 'Mrs. Burns Lemon' basil

Basil plants grow well in containers, can be used among annuals in a flower border, and the miniature varieties can line an herb garden path or be used in decorative patterns. Whether your garden is formal or informal, it can always benefit from a few basil plants. Purchase plants at local nurseries now or order them on line. If you have a long summer season you still have time to start your basil from seeds.

Below are a few ideas to get you started on your basil adventure.

'Red Ruben' and 'Mrs. Burns Lemon' basil alternate with dwarf species zinnias in a garden border at the Kendall-Jackson winery

Mamma chicken sits surrounded by her "hens and chicks" framed by a diamond of lemon and lime thymes. For a culinary bonus, there is an outer border of the dwarf basil, 'Spicy Globe'

Basils in beautiful containers, such as these variegated 'Pesto Perpetuo' are perfect for a formal entry and give off a gentle perfume as visitors brush by