Herbs planted now will establish over the autumn and winter and should be ready for cutting next spring. Many, including lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage, fennel and oregano, require a sunny, free-draining spot. Others, such as mint, lemon balm and parsley like a moist, lightly-shaded position. Variegated and gold-leaved varieties should be planted where they do not get the full belt of the midday sun.
Besides growing herbs for cooking, you might try planting what Denise Dunne calls a "basic medicine cabinet": garlic, purple sage, peppermint, chamomile, lemon balm, pot marigold, St John's wort and aloe vera. Self-medication should be undertaken carefully and wisely: herbs should be used for minor complaints only, and in small quantities .