It originates from a native Mexican shrub, the wild origin being responsible for it taking longer to germinate and mature but the plants can be retained as tender perennials for another year.

Most peppers can be grown in a pot on the windowsill offering, apart from the visual attraction, an opportunity to harvest all season long for special meals.

Red chillies are reputed for their high vitamin A, C and beta-carotene content. The compound capsaicin that gives them their trademark 'kick' is also thought to have a positive effect on blood cholesterol. All of this and their sparkling presence on the plate makes them sound like an offer we can't refuse.

When the lady of this house puts one of her creations on the dining table it is customary for the recipient, and occasional cook, to comment on the ingredients.

Difficult though this was at first, thanks to the range of herbs available, it has become easier to detect their subtle flavours over time.

But appreciating home grown herbs at table is only part of the attraction in growing them. Many have such presence and scent in the mixed border that they deserve a place as of right.

Traditional and handy though it is to group them all together outside the kitchen window in a circular planting, tubs or containers, there is a case for dotting some near the edge of a border where the foliage can be ruffled and sniffed on the daily round. Go for a sunny, well-drained spot where possible and select a few perennial types to get started.

Gardening friends might have a large clump of oregano, lemon balm, French tarragon or chives that is easily divided up into sections, each of which makes an instant plant.

Look for your favourite herbs at the local plant centre where they are sold in small pots. Buy a group of three and plant triangular fashion, a hands' length apart to make an instant impact.

Propagate sage, rosemary and thyme from softwood stem cuttings and secure fresh parsley for a year by investing in one packet of seed.

Soak it overnight in an egg cup then set up a cell tray of moistened compost.

Flick a small cluster of seed into each section and pop the tray into a heated propagator where germination takes half the time of those sown outdoors.