Site for Herb Garden in California

I live in Palm Desert, California, USA. I have a courtyard that avoid the strong all day sun, with some shady, some slightly sunny spots. Could the borders become a great herb garden?

Since California, USA is considered the American answer to the Mediterranean and since a large number of culinary herbs originate from the Mediterranean, you should be able to have a great herb garden. Do try the sunniest spots first and if the herbs grow well there, choose shade tolerant herbs for the shadiest spots. Water the herbs during your droughts.