Beautiful Herbs to Grow for Your Garden and Kitchen

Welcome to the blog today, friends!

Let’s chat about herbs—those wonderful little plants that do so much more than season our meals. If you’ve ever snipped a sprig of rosemary or a handful of mint, you know how much flavor they bring to the kitchen. But did you know that many herbs are just as lovely in the garden as they are in a stew?

Some of you may already be growing herbs and not even realize it! They’re such hardworking plants—tough, pretty, and often fragrant. I think of them as little garden multitaskers. Not only are they useful, but they can also add a beautiful, textured layer to your flower beds and borders.

When I’m out in the garden, I love pulling out my collection of herb books—yes, I still use actual books! There’s just something about flipping through those pages to learn more about what I’m growing. You’ll find all sorts of fascinating tips, from how to propagate your favorite herbs to the best spots to plant them so they really thrive.

Take a look at the photo above—see that bright yellow bloom? That’s yarrow, a true gem in the herb garden. It starts blooming in spring and keeps going strong right into summer. It’s hardy, comes in shades from cheerful yellow to soft pink, and isn’t fussy about soil or weather. I grow it both in my designated herb garden and tucked into other parts of the yard.

Its feathery leaves are edible, too—just chop them finely and toss into a salad for a little peppery kick. The flowerheads are clusters of tiny blossoms, and they’re such a vibrant pop of color that I can’t resist including them in my bouquets. The ones you see here were gathered just this morning, along with a few amaryllis blooms that are strutting their stuff right now. Aren’t those colors just beautiful?

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Here’s that same sunny yellow yarrow again—this time nestled among some fragrant companions: sage, orange balm, and prostrate rosemary. Just behind the sage stands a stately rosemary bush, tall and full, like it’s standing guard over the rest of the garden. I love how these plants complement one another—not just in looks, but in how they grow. They really are happy neighbors, thriving together in this cozy corner of the herb bed.

This morning, I stepped out early—before the heat settled in—to gather a bit of orange and lemon balm. I’m drying it for tea, which has become a little ritual in our home. Lemon balm is one of those gentle herbs that often goes overlooked, but it’s truly wonderful. I came across several studies recently that sang its praises—it’s known for helping to soothe frazzled nerves and encourage a restful night’s sleep.

Steep it boiling water for a calming evening cup, or chill it for a delightfully refreshing summer drink. It’s light, lemony, and oh-so-good on a warm afternoon. Sometimes I add a sprig of mint or a slice of orange for an extra splash of flavor. There’s something really special about sipping a tea made from herbs you’ve grown yourself, isn’t there?

Nasturtiums are another wonderful herb whose flowers are very flavorful and add a nice bite of peppery flavor to a pretty salad. they come in multiple colors and are easy to grow from seed. I just started another big container of nasturtium right beside a container of zinnias. I have them mixed in with the vegetable garden for color and for ease of harvesting.

The next nasturtium crop.

Another stunning addition to the garden—especially if you have a bit of shade—is foxglove. Isn’t it enchanting? With its tall spires of bell-shaped blooms, it brings a lovely old-world charm to any garden. What many folks don’t realize is that foxglove is actually classified as an herb. It’s been used to create important heart medications like digitalis and digoxin.

When my children were little, I chose not to grow foxglove. As beautiful as it is, it can be toxic, and with curious little hands exploring the garden, it just didn’t feel worth the risk. But now that the children are grown, I’ve added it back into our landscape, especially in the woodland corners and shady spots where it truly shines.

And no, I’m not making any homemade medicine from it—I just admire its beauty from a safe and respectful distance. There’s something almost fairytale-like about foxglove waving gently in the breeze, don’t you think?

One of my absolute favorites for a burst of fresh lemon flavor is lemon verbena. I’ve tucked mine in next to the brick wall on the sunny side of the house where it stays nice and warm. This plant loves the sunshine and a good drink of water—much like its neighbor, basil, which is growing right beside it.

Lemon verbena is a little powerhouse in the kitchen. I use it to brighten up all sorts of recipes, but one of my favorite ways to enjoy it is in tea. Whether served hot with a touch of honey or iced on a warm afternoon, it’s soothing, fragrant, and oh-so-refreshing. It’s also said to help with bronchial and nasal congestion, which makes it handy to have around, especially during allergy season.

And don’t get me started on how wonderful it smells! I dry the leaves and tuck them into potpourri blends—the lemony scent lingers for months. If you’ve never tried it, just bruise a few fresh leaves and drop them into a glass of sweet tea. It adds the most delightful citrus twist, perfect for porch sitting or afternoon visits with friends.

Just a few well-chosen herbs can truly turn everyday meals into something special. You don’t need a sprawling garden—just a few pots and a sunny spot will do. These little green treasures will reward you with heavenly fragrances, beautiful textures, and the kind of flavor that elevates even the simplest dish.

Picture yourself on a warm summer evening, tucked into your favorite chair on the patio or porch, sipping a cool drink infused with lemon balm or mint you’ve grown yourself. It’s one of life’s quiet joys, isn’t it? That sweet, satisfying feeling of having grown something with your own two hands and enjoying the beauty it brings to your day.

In the end, it’s the simple pleasures that leave the biggest imprint—the rustle of herbs in a breeze, the scent of rosemary on your fingertips, the first sip of garden-fresh tea. These are the little moments that stay with us, and truly, they’re the ones that matter most.

But there are some things I know for certain: always throw spilt salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can. Practical Magic

Add a pitcher of fresh herbs and you are all set.