Living Green?

Inspired by Alice Water's The Art of Simple Food and the current economic state, I decided to try my hand at some herb gardening.  Luckily my mother was visiting from Virginia, so I had her experienced green thumb working to my advantage.  We went to the local nursery and picked out chives, basil, mint, lavender, sage, parsley, cilantro, and a few packets of mixed lettuce seeds. Together we pruned the existing plants in my patio area and planted the newbies. Everything was growing great and seeming to acclimate until I left for three and a half weeks.  I came back to find that although the plants in the ground were thriving-- 

Including two maidenhair ferns that I swear were beyond all hope when when we transplanted them from their pot-- 

And my little random lettuce seeds have sprouted making them a successful experiment so far--

My potted herbs were dried out and seemingly dead.  I gave them all a healthy dose of water and cut back most of the dead stems.  Keeping my fingers crossed that they will spring back.  

My bromeliad is on its last legs as well.  No idea what to do for this guy.

But this blooming rose bush gives me gardening hope and is the reason I've made the plants today's amusement.

Gardening advice welcome and appreciated.  I want to save my little guys!!