Several weeks ago we bought nine herb plants for $45. Julie was busy getting azaleas and impatiens, and I was tagging along like a good husband. She promised to buy me some mulch to spread in the gardens — which for some reason is a very guy thing to like to do.

Now, I like flowers but another guy thing is practicality — like my father said when he went to Rome, "How many statues can you look at?"

So I saw a table of herb plants, and I suggested we use a rectangular planter in the middle of the patio to plant them. The rain here in northern Virginia has been excellent for plant growth — the tomato plants we bought have more than tripled in size — but a couple of the plants died. Natural attrition, I guess.

But the basil, cilantro, parsley and spearmint plants that are thriving have been an incredible addition to the pantry. There is nothing like going outside, clipping a small handful of leaves and chopping them into your food.

Like my mother says, "Oh, the flay-va!"

Using the basil also reminded me of a Belgian chef I used to work with. He would put the fresh sprigs up to his nose like he was sniffing glue and exclaim, "Bee-you-ti-ful Basil!" The smell is intoxicating.

Still, I didn't like spending $5 on one basil plant that has shriveled, or losing the money on a couple of tomato plants, either.

As so often happens, I got more involved than I expected. Went to Target and bought five packets of seeds and a box of Miracle-Gro potting soil. Total investment about $12. I Found a nice rectangular table I painted and am using as a planting station. The planting commences this evening.

My goal is to have herbs all winter long, inside the house in pots, and to always have fresh cooking ingredients just a scissor clip away. It adds a lot to beans, pasta — the cilantro is even great in eggs.

Of the tools below, I own the Fiskars long-handled clippers as well as the short pruners — excellent quality!