Although the new US First Lady has put home-grown herbs and vegetable gardening in vogue again, several Four Seasons properties have been well ahead of the curve, with over 20 of them having their own on-site gardens.

Executive Chef Philippe Jourdin at Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche shares some tips for starting your own herb garden:

• It is most important to have high-quality, soft soil with good drainage.
• Most herbs, vegetables and fruit require lots of sunshine – as much as six to eight hours a day – but some, like chives, coriander and chervil, do better in the shade.
• If you are a first-time gardener, try buying nursery-grown plants rather than starting from seeds – their growing time is less, which is a consideration in northern climates.
• Plant herbs that you like and that you will use in your own recipes – popular ones include basil, parsley, rosemary and thyme.
• Grow herbs that are indigenous to the local area â€“ for example, saffron may not necessarily grow so well in a climate like Canada’s.
• You can enjoy your herbs all year long by drying or freezing them. For best results, wash and thoroughly pat dry fresh herbs, chop them, and then freeze them in a resealable plastic freezer bag.