Although any aromatic herb can enhance holiday decorations, several have special biblical links with Christmas.

Many craft shops and florists carry dried herb plants along with the baskets, bowls and other trimmings needed for decorating. You might even have grown one or more these herbs in your own herb garden.

For a special touch this year, try one or more of the following in your holiday wreaths and mantle decorations:

English pennyroyal: This perennial herb was said to have been placed in the manger on the night of the Christ child's birth and burst into bloom the moment the child was born.

English pennyroyal adds a fragrant aroma to wreaths. However, it can be toxic if ingested. So, keep it out of the reach of pets and children. It is often used in potpourri and cosmetics, and is native to southern Europe and western Asia.

Rosemary: This is one of the most beautiful and fragrant of the seasoned herbs. According to folklore, rosemary will bring happiness for the coming year to anyone who smells it on Christmas Eve.

As the story goes, during the flight into Egypt, Mary spread her child's garments on a rosemary plant to dry. The flowers, originally white, turned blue and acquired the sweet scent they have today.

Another legend claims that at midnight Jan. 5, the "old Christmas Eve," rosemary plants simultaneously burst into flower in celebration of Christmas.

Rosemary plants add beauty and fragrance to holiday wreaths. They are especially suitable for tussie mussies, which are small bouquets made with dried flowers, doilies and ribbons for use at individual place settings on the holiday dinner table.

Wild thyme: This pungent herb, a member of the mint family, was collected from the fields outside of Bethlehem to make a soft bed for Mary during the birth of her child.

It is thought to have antiseptic properties and was burned as incense later in history by the Greeks. Today, thyme is a popular culinary seasoning, but it also can be used in dried flower arrangements, bouquets and potpourri during the holiday season.

Lavender: The Virgin Mary is said to have dried her newborn's swaddling clothes by spreading them on a bed of wild lavender. This herb, also of the mint family, grows as a small evergreen shrub.

It has gray-green leaves, light purple flowers and a sweet floral scent. When dried, it can be used whole for wreaths and centerpieces or crushed to use in sachets for closets or drawers or to scent a bath.

Add evergreen plants and other herbs to your decorations and make them even more special coming from your own landscape and garden.

"Growing Green" is contributed by Lehigh County Extension Office Staff and Master Gardeners. Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-746-1970.