Nice blog entry. I could really relate as I've done a similar size vegetable/herb patch for years. I've always tried to grow things I couldn't buy in the store, like orange cauliflower, purple beans etc. One year I grew 9 different types of basil and made pesto (among other things) from each type. I learned that you really only need 3 kinds of basil and my favorites were lemon basil - for fish, purple ruffles - it's beautiful and good in salads, and green ruffles - it's big and flavorful for heartier cooking. Although, what I eat the most today is thai basil that they serve in Pho restaurants.
The Four Kicks is great, The Headley Grange is even better. If The J.D. Howard Reserve is even better, I'm in trouble.
Keep up the challenging, but gratifying work.