It does keep growing into a bush, but it gets very 'woody' and if yours looks dead, then perhaps a replacement would be better.

When they're young, they can keel over in their first winter, particularly if planted in summer or autumn. Best time to plant is now, and in a sheltered, sunny spot. Once they've become established, less likely to die, although a very severe winter might polish them off.

The winter before last polished off our very well established rosemary bush... and Bulba promptly filled the space with other plants. I didn't use it that often but did enjoy running my fingers over and then simply sniffing.

How funny - of all the herbs, rosemary and thyme are really the ones I use frequently, at least once a week.

'Bulba promptly filled the space with other plants'

He must know that rosemary in the garden means the woman rules the house.

Blimey, never heard that one before - I'm surprised every house hasn't one in the garden then, since that's the norm and just as it should be.

I have quite a few rosemary bushes round the garden, and each year I take a few cuttings, because they don't last forever, and eventually, as Ojibway says, they get very straggly and woody, and need to be replaced. We have just had one of the severest winters on record in this part of the world, and every single one of mine has come through unscathed - maybe a combination of cold and wet is the killer.
Funny, I had always understood that parsley was the herb that flourished if the woman of the house wore the trousers.........Maybe the really well regulated households just have the best herb gardens.

Thank you everyone - its only a young plant, new last year but looks like its died! Altogether now....... "Arrrrrrrrhhhh!!!" (hee hee)
I'll leave it for a couple more weeks and then decide whether I should replace it - I can't be without Rosemary on my roasties!

As for the parsley - my mum tells me that if you grow Parsley over winter - you are a witch! Got to dash - left my broomstick parked on double-yellow lines!

Thanks again! x