Hey Bob, I keep 2, 30" pots on the closest deck to the BBQ and the kitchen. Herbs are always handy when I need them. I don't grow them from seed, it's just not worth it with the amount of stuff we have. Buy them already started, put them in your pots or barrels and just keep them watered. You can bring them indoors in mid-October and have fresh herbs till Easter when you start all over again. Some plants will be salvageable. Throw in a bay laurel in each pot, they come in handy for soups, stews and some sauces and they keep the rest of the herbs partly shaded.
http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn28/Bassigan/11-07%20garden/