I grow herbs in tires and other containers in my front yard ... sage, chives, rosemary, thyme, taragon, parsley, lemon balm and mint (several varieties) - adding fennel this year. All have survived over the winter for several years .... I just leave the leaves that fall from a nearby tree on them. Mowing has been greatly reduced in this part of my small yard. Chives are blooming for the first time this year - 3 year old plants. Taragon and sage and mint are overgrown and will be cut back this year. Mint has spread all over the yard and is almost indestructable (I don't have digging dogs.) and smells wonderful when cut. Bees also love the mint when it blooms .... almost as much as I do - sprigs in iced tea. I enjoy the comments about the fragrance as people make as as they walk by. I am learning how to use each of the herbs in cooking and appreciate the suggestions of others on this thread.