Grow licorice-scented fennel as a tall ornamental in the flower garden and for its culinary uses in the kitchen. The leaves and seeds are also used in cosmetics and herbal medicines. Zones 6 – 9. Likes full soon, humusy, well-drained soil. Keep moist, transplants poorly. Semi-hardy perennial usually grown as in annual, height to 4 feet, the leaves are feathery and blue-green in color. Blooms July to October, with small yellow flowers in umbels. Usually pest and disease free. Snip leaves before blooming for fresh use, leaves can also be frozen. Collect seeds when dry but before they shatter by snipping the ripe seed heads into a paper bag, dry them on paper. Fennel’s delicate flavor is destroyed by heat, so add to the end of the recipe. Try the bronze-colored variety for foliage contrast outdoors and on the dinner plate as a garnish. Most companion gardeners keep fennel away from the vegetable garden, alleging that this licorice-scented herb inhibits the growth of bush beans, kohlrabi, tomatoes and other crops. Plant fennel in an ornamental border rather than in or near a vegetable garden. It’s lacy leaves and airy flower heads combine well with flowering ornamentals. Wasps and other beneficials are attracted by its flowers.