There is nothing better for those special dishes than the addition of fresh herbs.  Herbs are among the oldest cultivated plants that are prized for both their medicinal and culinary benefits.  Cut herbs are expensive to buy, so it is beneficial to grow your own and you can harvest on an as-needed basis.  This can be grown indoors, outdoors, pots, beds, etc...  Many herbs are also great companions for your vegetables and flowers, deterring pests and/or increasing the vigor of the plants while others attract beneficial insects.  Below is a copy out of "The Book of Outdoor Gardening" by Smith & Hawken.