Common garden sage can be pretty tough, unlike the more wimpy versions that are variegated or purple and white. I stuck a sad-looking plant that had been in a pot for awhile between the fence and an Illicium -- and it's been flowering away, in spite of relatively little sun and no care.
In contrast, a plant in full sun in the satellite garden, also a bit of an afterthought, is flourishing in a nicer spot, surrounded by garlic.
I like Salvia species of all sorts because their flowers are favored by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This culinary sage is even handy when a few leaves are required.