June is a vibrant month in our gardens, bursting with the lush growth of a variety of herbs. At The Secret Garden and at home, we’ve been busy harvesting these green treasures and hanging them to dry, ensuring their wonderful flavors and benefits are preserved for months to come. Follow along and discover the benefits of growing and drying your own herbs and the myriad of ways we use these herbs in our Secret Garden Botanical line, in our workshops, and more.
The Beauty of “Cut and Come Again” Herbs
Many of the herbs we grow are perennial and fall into the “cut and come again” category. This means that when we harvest by carefully pruning back each plant, we encourage new growth, allowing us the opportunity to harvest multiple times throughout the season. This sustainable method ensures a continuous supply of fresh herbs, perfect for all our culinary and crafting needs. Have you ever noticed the huge rosemary bush, Rosmarinus prostratus, that grows by the chicken coop? This is a great example of a “cut and come again” perennial plant. It has been on the property longer than we have and it has provided so much rosemary for so many different uses. Next time you’re in the garden, look under some of the nursery tables near the gift shop and you may also see apple mint and chamomile growing happily there. We planted the mint to help soak up the overspill from watering the plants. The chamomile is a volunteer that we are so happy has come to stay. I’m currently drying some of the apple mint to work into an incense recipe and bags of chamomile flowers are often seen going home with me for one of my favorite tea blends.
2 parts Raspberry Leaf, 1 part Chamomile and 1 part Lemon Verbena
Steep in hot water for 4-5 mins, sweeten to taste and ENJOY!
Crafting with Dried Herbs
Our herbs find new life in a variety of creative and aromatic forms. Here are some of the exciting ways we use herbs at The Secret Garden:
Botanical Smoke Wands
We create beautiful and fragrant smoke wands using a combination of white sage, rosemary, incense cedar, lavender and rose petals. These wands are perfect for purifying spaces, creating a calming atmosphere, or simply enjoying their colorful, natural look on your bookcase or side table.
Herbal Craft Workshops
Our Herbal Craft workshops are a hit among garden enthusiasts and DIY lovers alike. In these classes, we teach participants how to make:
- Blended Herbal Teas: Craft your own unique herbal tea blends with dried herbs like nettle, chamomile, lavender, and lemon verbena.
- Incense Cones: Learn to create custom incense cones using dried herbs and natural binders.
- Infused Salves: Discover the healing properties of herbs by making salves infused with calendula, lavender, and dandelion.
Botanical Bouquets
We love that we can fill our giftshop with lots of unique dried floral items. From bouquet bundles to little pot-head people to the bookmarks and key chains we make. There are little touches of our dried herbs and flowers throughout our gift line.
Cooking with Fresh and Dried Herbs
Herbs are a staple in our home kitchens, both fresh and dried. Once you learn how easy it is to grow your own, you won’t be dishing out $3-4 for a package of a few herb stems from the produce aisle. Instead, you’ll be harvesting enough to dry and grind your own herbs to stock your herb cabinet!
While it’s a stretch to call it “cooking”, one of our favorite staff treats during the hot summer months is an herbal iced tea that was a favorite of Vic’s mom when she was alive. It’s an equal part blend of sage and mint, which makes for a refreshing and health-boosting drink. Here are some of the benefits of these herbs:
Sage
- Anti-inflammatory: Sage contains compounds that help reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant-rich: It is packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
- Digestive Aid: Sage can aid digestion and soothe gastrointestinal discomfort.
Mint
- Cooling and Refreshing: Mint is known for its cooling effect, perfect for hot days.
- Digestive Support: Mint helps relieve indigestion and can reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Antimicrobial: It has natural antimicrobial properties, which can help freshen breath and support oral health.
Join Us in the Garden and Kitchen
Whether you’re looking to expand your gardening skills, explore new crafting techniques, or simply enjoy the health benefits of fresh herbs, we invite you to visit us at The Secret Garden. Let us help you start your own herb garden, participate in one of our workshops, learn about sustainable harvesting practices, and discover the benefits of growing and drying your own herbs.
Stay Connected
Keep an eye on our workshop offerings for upcoming workshops. Follow us on social media for tips, recipes, and inspiration straight from our gardens to your home. Let’s grow, craft, and cook together!
