When it comes to creating a charming cottage garden, herbs are a must-have addition. Not only do they add fragrance and beauty to your outdoor space, but they also serve a practical purpose in the kitchen and beyond. Here are some of the best herbs to grow in your US cottage garden for cooking, fragrance, and soap or candle making:

1. Basil: A staple in Italian cuisine, basil adds a fragrant and flavorful punch to dishes like pasta, salads, and pesto. It also has a lovely aroma that can be enjoyed in the garden or used to make fragrant sachets or potpourri.
2. Rosemary: With its woody fragrance and robust flavor, rosemary is perfect for seasoning meats, potatoes, and vegetables. It’s also a great addition to homemade soaps and candles, adding a natural, earthy scent.
3. Lavender: Known for its calming fragrance, lavender is a beautiful and versatile herb. Use it to add flavor to baked goods, teas, and cocktails, or harvest it for its fragrant flowers to make sachets, soaps, and candles.
4. Mint: With its refreshing flavor and fragrance, mint is a must-have herb for any cottage garden. Use it to make tea, mojitos, or mint sauce for lamb, or harvest it for use in homemade soaps and candles. Mint can be very aggressive in its growing so make sure you plant it where it can’t spread.
5. Thyme: With its earthy flavor and aroma, thyme is a versatile herb that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including meats, stews, and soups. It’s also a natural insect repellent, making it a great addition to your garden.
6. Chamomile: Known for its calming properties, chamomile is often used to make herbal teas that promote relaxation and sleep. It also has a sweet, apple-like fragrance that can be enjoyed in the garden or used to make fragrant sachets.
7. Lemon Balm: With its bright, citrusy flavor, lemon balm is a refreshing addition to teas, salads, and cocktails. It also has a lovely lemony fragrance that can be enjoyed in the garden or used to make fragrant soaps and candles.
8. Sage: With its robust flavor and aroma, sage is a popular herb for seasoning meats, stuffing, and sauces. It also has a lovely fragrance that can be enjoyed in the garden or used to make fragrant sachets or potpourri.

By growing these herbs in your cottage garden, you can enjoy a rich harvest of fragrant and flavorful ingredients for cooking, as well as natural materials for soap or candle making. So roll up your sleeves, dig in the dirt, and watch your garden grow with these delightful herbs!