Back when I had a flat lot (and no deer), I had a wonderful large formal herb garden filled with things I can't get at the market - six different kinds of sage, sveral types of basil, etc. Being able to get the things I couldn't easily find was the big draw for me. Snails were my biggest problem, but I put out beer traps and also the copper rings around the plants, although that got pretty expensive. I also spent a lot of time picking snails at night ... it was quite nice when the local school had an escargot feed and students knew my garden was organic so came and picked the snails for me.

The biggest thing to avoid is over watering. Herbs like very little water. Also, pinch off the buds immediately or you'll lose all the flavor of the herbs. Pinching new growth from the top will also keep your plants nice and full. I had my herb garden separate from my veg garden, but what some people do is plant veggies and herbs that go together in the same beds - so put your basil with your tomatoes, for example. Each is supposed to benefit from the other.

I have so many wonderful herb books, including cookbooks for things like yummy lemon verbena muffins... if you have any specific questions feel free to PM me.

Rodale's Illustrated Encycolpedia of Herbs is kind of the bible on herbs. Herbal Companion magazine is kind of fun too.