So often we speak of problems keeping herbs alive, when we should be addressing how to control aggressive herb growth. This is especially true of perennial herbs. An example of this can be seen when asking any herb gardeners if they grow mints. We have all heard stories of mints gone wild, and taking over the lawn or choking out everything else in the garden. There are ways to grow more aggressive herbs, and find a peaceful existence with them all.

Here are some easy ways to make these fast growing, aggressive herbs behave.

• Container Gardening - It can't be said enough; gardeners have to remain in control of their plants. If there is an herb with a history of taking over the garden, don't let it by planting it in a pot. You can then plant that pot right into the ground, for the natural look, while keeping the roots in check. In the greenhouse business, this is called pot-in-pot, and it a great way to keep the display plants looking perfect. When a plants gets sold, the customer can simply lift their plant pot out of the ground and take it, while a new replacement is waiting in the wings to be dropped in the hole. This is also a great way to remove spent plants and freshen up a garden display, without the extra work of digging during the hot part of the season.

• Barriers-This technique involves creating a physical hurdle for the plants to grow behind, in order for the roots to stay put. Barriers can be as simple as a bucket with the bottom removed, and buried, or landscape edging pressed deeply into the edge of garden you are trying to contain. I have also seen a hole dug, landscape fabric lining the hole, then the soil replaced. Barriers are not perfect; roots can eventually find a way under and runners can find their way over a barrier, but it does seem to slow things down.

• Weeding - Yes, I am using that dreaded term. Weeding is no more than pulling up plants you don't want growing in an area. If your herbs are taking over, get out there and remove them (again and again). It may be a never ending battle, but it doesn't have to be a losing one. Try to weed after a soaking rain when the soil is soft, and pull out any herbs that have gone astray. Think of it as exercise and a great way to release tension. Your garden will look so much better when you are finished!
  Doing a large scale weeding every week, or a mini weeding session each night, can keep even the most aggressive herbs in check.
  
• Hands on management - No matter what the books say, there is no truly maintenance free garden. The gardener has to get out there and pull, poke, sift and smooth the garden on a regular schedule to keep things nice and tidy. Hands on management means you will have to cut back and transplant the more aggressive herbs whenever they look like they are getting the upper hand. This means a daily walk in the garden, tools in hand. I like to go early before it gets too hot, and again in the evening, just after supper. These little mini-checks are how I recognize the health and growth habits of everything I am tending to. It's a peaceful visit for me and sort of a beauty check for my herb garden. If going out every day isn't your style, perhaps a twice weekly visit on a strict schedule will keep you ahead of those pesky herbs that want to be boss.

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