I know what you mean – I have a big ‘ol sage bush that I use only occasionally, though I found and old style tooth powder recipe that uses it, since it’s supposed to be antibacterial and astringent – good for the gums.

Peppermint is such a nice herb to have fresh – it’s one of the easiest herb teas to get kids to drink and great for upset stomachs. It’s also great to mix in with the more ‘medicinal’ tasting herbs to make them more palatable. To keep it from spreading you can put it in a container, sink a barrel in the ground, or some other underground barrier – or find a spot you don’t mind it spreading and just let it go. It could make a nice ground cover – just won’t stay where you want it. Chamomile, some of the times, and even some varieties of basil can also grow as nice ground covers.

And don’t discount all the ‘cooking’ herbs. They have just as many health benefits as the ‘healing’ herbs. Use them liberally in your food for immune support (onion and garlic), sugar control (cinammon), calming and cleansing (basil), etc.

I’m jealous of how much room you have to grow!! Plant some fruit trees for me!