Rosemary is my favorite fragrant herb. I cannot pass a rosemary plant without running my fingers through its needle-like leaves and releasing its fragrance into the air, while also depositing its fragrance on my hands. I currently live in Gardening Zone 8a, and I have discovered that several of my neighbors grow rosemary as a perennial. I have decided to grow a low hedge of rosemary in my fragrance garden:

Rosemary
Image Credit: Bonnie Plants

Bonnie Plants sells both Arp Rosemary Variety, which grows to be 3′-6′ tall, and Tuscan Blue Variety,  which will grow to be approximately 4 – 6′ tall x 2 – 4′ wide.

While Arp is more cold hardy, Tuscan Blue has a greater concentration of oils and is more fragrant. For the same reason, it is better for cooking,

Because I am a slave to instant gratification, I ordered some gallon-sized rosemary plants from Bonnie.

As well as a 4-pack of 19-oz plants that I am repotting to allow them to grow into larger plants:

Bonnie Plants Sells the Arp Variety of Rosemary Plants:

“Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Arp’ is a rugged and flavorful cold-hardy rosemary that brings both beauty and utility to the garden. With its stiff, upright habit and needle-like, gray-green foliage, this aromatic herb produces soft blue blooms in spring and releases a clean, piney scent when touched.

‘”Arp’ is prized for its hardiness—tolerating temperatures down to 10°F—making it one of the toughest rosemary varieties available. It grows up to 3–4 feet tall and is a favorite for cooking, crafting, and landscape use. Whether grown as a fragrant border, trimmed into a hedge, or potted for year-round accessibility, Arp Rosemary brings evergreen charm and culinary excellence to any space.” Stark Brothers

This year, I plan to try growing rosemary in my kitchen window sill. Rosemary is great for numerous cooking options:

• Roasted Potatoes: A classic pairing, especially with garlic-rosemary roasted potatoes or smashed potatoes.
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, turnips, or parsnips roasted with rosemary and thyme.
• Focaccia: A staple topping for Italian flatbread, often with sea salt and garlic.
• White Beans/Dips: Added to olive oil for dipping or in white bean purées.
• Roasted Nuts: Rosemary-roasted pecans or almonds. 
  Food & Wine +3

• Soups and Stews: Used in lentils, stews, and tomato-based dishes.
• Compound Butter: Mixed into butter to top steaks or potatoes.
• Popcorn: Sprinkled with salt, pepper, and melted rosemary butter. 
  Food & Wine +4

• Spritzes and Gin Drinks: A fresh rosemary sprig is commonly used to garnish gin and tonics, amaro spritzes, or grapefruit/cranberry-based drinks.
• Lemonade: A sprig of rosemary adds a refreshing, fragrant note to homemade lemonade. 
  Food & Wine +2

• Scones: Lemon-rosemary scones.
• Cookies: Rosemary, almond, and parmesan cocktail cookies.
• Sorbet: Lemon-rosemary sorbet.
• Jam: Strawberry-rosemary jam Google Ai

Rosemary is also one of my favorite essential oils”

Rosemary – A Fragrant Herb to Grow in the Garden – Rosemary Essential Oil Blends