Petals & Prints

This year, I’m pouring my energy into cultivating my herb space.

If you visited the “Begin Here” tab, you’ll recall my love for gardening started with an herb garden. Being a messy gardener, I’ve discovered herbs are the happy rebels – resilient, hardy, and happiest when left to grow wild.

I have a few seasoned herbs growing strong: chocolate mint, lemon balm, sage, oregano, and thyme. Each add its own touch of magic. They’ve been with me through the seasons, weathering my unpredictable gardening habits with grace.

The chocolate mint with its rich, sweet scent that fills the air each time I brush past it. Lemon balm adds a refreshing touch; its leaves release a citrus scent that lifts the spirit. Sage stands tall year-round, its silvery leaves a reminder of the kitchen’s earthy warmth. The oregano and thyme create a fragrant undercurrent that infuses the garden with their aromatic presence.

Each one is a story, a layer of comfort, and a connection to life’s simple pleasures.

The latest chapter adds more thyme and oregano, along with fresh additions of basil, lavender, rosemary, dill, and fennel. They’re more than simple additions – they are a celebration of flavor, fragrance, and versatility.

Thyme and oregano stand sturdy, being the backbone of so many dishes. Basil with its sweet, peppery leaves, promises to add to the kitchen an unmistakable aroma of summer. Lavender awaits with its calming aroma, infusing the garden with serenity.

Dill and fennel bring their own unique touch: dill’s fresh, slightly tangy flavor for pickles and summer salads, and fennel’s delicate, anise-like taste that complements both savory and sweet creations.

Let’s not forget the star of the show: Rosemary. This spectacular herb brings a sharp, piney scent that cuts through the softness of the garden – a fragrant exhale after the rain.

Is a herb garden worth your while? Yes, and here’s why.

Each of these herbs holds a deeper connection to their culinary uses – they carry centuries of medicinal wisdom. In an upcoming series of posts, Herb Spotlight, I’ll dive into the many ways these herbs can uplift, soothe, and enhance everyday life, and the messy ways I bring it all together.

What herbs are you growing this season? Share your favorites in the comments, and let’s inspire one another to embrace the wild, beautiful mess of gardening!