For me, gardening isn’t just about growing plants—it’s about creating a little piece of nature that feels like home. And when it comes to herbs, there’s something extra special about growing ones that go beyond the usual basil and mint.
Each herb has its own story, scent, and a little bit of magic. Over the years, I’ve fallen in love with some truly unique herbs. I’ve found ones that surprise me with their flavors, scents, and even the way they grow.
So, let me take you on a tour of herbs that have not only found a place in my garden but also in my heart.
1. Lemon Balm
Oh, the joy of walking past lemon balm and getting that lemony whiff! I always make sure to plant it near my garden. Its soothing aroma makes evening walks so much better.
Also, I love using its leaves for a calming tea after a long day. It’s a natural stress-reliever that I swear by.
Its citrus fragrance isn’t just for me, though. Bees absolutely adore it, making my garden always more alive!
2. Lovage
Lovage is like nature’s secret ingredient that spices up any dish. It stands tall, with leaves that resemble celery but with a richer flavor.
I toss a few leaves into soups, and it transforms the taste! It’s a perennial, which means it returns each year without fail. This reliability is something I truly appreciate.
Its roots can also be used in stews, adding a depth that’s hard to match. Isn’t that simply amazing?
3. Borage
The first time I saw borage’s blue flowers, I was captivated! They look like stars scattered across the garden.
Each flower has a crisp, cucumber-like taste, perfect for salads or decorating drinks. Borage thrives even in poor soil, a resilience I admire. Its blossoms attract bees, enhancing pollination for other plants.
This little star brings so much life to my garden. And it definitely is worth trying!
4. Culantro
Forget cilantro; culantro is where the real flavor’s at! It’s a powerhouse of aroma.
I grow it in a shaded corner, and it thrives magnificently. Its stronger flavor makes it ideal for cooking dishes.
Plus, it’s less likely to bolt in hot weather, unlike its cilantro cousin. Whenever I cook Caribbean dishes, culantro is my secret weapon. Plus, I always get many compliments!
5. Stevia
Having a natural sweetener at arm’s reach is amazing. Stevia’s leaves offer sweetness without the calories.
I often chew on a leaf when I crave something sweet, a trick that never fails. It’s a tender perennial, and I find it easy to grow in pots.
From teas to desserts, it sweetens everything naturally. Plus, it’s a bit of a conversation starter with guests!
6. Anise Hyssop
I adore anise hyssop for its licorice scent and purple flower spikes. Its leaves make a delightful tea that’s both aromatic and soothing. Watching bees dance around its flowers is a daily treat.
It’s a perennial, which means it returns year after year. Which is always a plus!
Anise hyssop is not just pretty; it’s practical, too. It’s perfect in pollinator gardens, ensuring an ever-buzzing backyard.
7. Sorrel
This one is a must-have in my garden. I love adding its fresh flavor to salads and soups.
Even on sad days, sorrel brings a burst of happiness to my meals.
Once planted, it grows year after year. Sorrel is the reliable one, and I love having it in my garden.
8. Chocolate Mint
I hope you like the idea of having a dessert garden. This mint releases a minty chocolate scent that’s irresistible.
I place it in pots to control its growth, preventing it from taking over. It’s perfect for decorating desserts or adding a twist to beverages.
The kids love it, too, often sneaking a leaf or two. Chocolate mint has an aroma that never fails to please.
9. Epazote
This one is my go-to herb for authentic Mexican dishes.
It has a distinct aroma that’s unmistakable. I always keep some on hand for bean recipes, as it’s known to reduce gas.
It’s a hardy plant that gives a unique taste. My kitchen wouldn’t be the same without it.
10. Lemon Verbena
I’m introducing a queen of lemony scents. Its long leaves give the most intense lemon fragrance.
I enjoy making herbal teas with it, which are incredibly refreshing.
It’s a tender perennial, so I take care to protect it from the cold. If you want a true scent powerhouse, this is the plant for you!
11. Vietnamese Coriander
Vietnamese coriander, or rau ram, is a spicy standout in my herb collection.
Its pointed leaves have a peppery, cilantro-like flavor. I grow it in a moist spot, where it grows beautifully. It’s indispensable for Asian cuisines.
Unlike regular coriander, it doesn’t bolt in heat. It’s definitely a recommendation!
12. Angelica
I’ve got a beautiful giant in my garden. I love candying its stems for a sweet treat.
It thrives in shady spots. Its roots and seeds are used in liqueurs, infusing a unique flavor. This graceful herb is both beautiful and versatile.
Perfect for any garden!
13. Burnet
Burnet is like a breath of fresh air with its cucumber-flavored leaves.
I often add it to salads for a refreshing taste.
It’s a perennial, thriving even in tough conditions. Its leaves remind me of fresh spring mornings. I adore how it brings a subtle yet distinct flavor to dishes.
Try it and you’ve got yourself a quiet achiever in my herb garden.
14. Perilla
Perilla, or shiso, is a colorful surprise in my garden. Its leaves, with purple undersides and green tops, are a visual treat.
I use it in sushi and salads, where it adds an exotic flair.
Its flavor is a mix of mint and basil, a combination I adore. This plant loves being in sunny corners. It brings a touch of the unusual to my culinary creations. Amazing herb, right?
15. Tulsi (Holy Basil)
For me, Tulsi is more than just a herb. It’s a sacred presence in my garden.
Leaves are used in teas and traditional medicines. Which I absolutely love!
It’s a plant that grows in diverse conditions. Tulsi is believed to purify and uplift, a quality I appreciate. I simply love this member of my herb collection.
16. Hyssop
This one is the quiet rebel of my herb garden. Its flowers lure in bees and butterflies, turning my garden into a miniature wildlife sanctuary.
Its leaves? Peppery, with a hint of mint—perfect for tea or a dish that needs a little intrigue. Just a few, and suddenly, the ordinary becomes unforgettable.
It thrives in sunbaked soil, unbothered by heat or neglect. Tough, yet elegant. A plant that asks for nothing but gives so much.
17. Marshmallow
Marshmallow isn’t just candy—it’s a beautiful piece in my garden.
Beneath the beauty, its roots hold gentle healing power, perfect for soothing teas and herbal remedies.
It enjoys being in damp soil, graceful in the places others struggle. Nature always has a little magic to share.
18. Chervil
These leaves look almost too delicate to be useful, but their mild anise flavor brings a special touch to my salads and dishes.
I love how unassuming it is—never overpowering, just the right touch of freshness. Unlike most herbs, it prefers the shade, thriving in the cooler, hidden corners of my garden.
It may not demand attention, but chervil has a way of making everything just a little better. A plant I’d never want to be without.
19. Rue
There’s something intriguing about rue. Its leaves and flowers look almost like nature’s showing off.
I never grow it to eat, but I admire its presence. Its sharp scent keeps pests away, making it more of a protector than just another pretty plant.
Thriving in dry, sun-soaked soil, it asks for nothing and stands strong. A bit wild, a bit mysterious—rue has a quiet beauty that never fades.
20. Self-Heal
Self-heal lives up to its name. The flower spikes stand tall, becoming a symbol of resilience and renewal.
I love knowing it’s more than just a wild beauty—it carries healing within its leaves, a natural remedy waiting to be used.
It grows where other plants might struggle, adapting to its surroundings. So, this one is quite modest but mighty!
21. Fenugreek
This plant gives quiet strength to my herb garden.
It grows in dry, sun-soaked soil, unfazed by harsh conditions. A true survivor!
Modest but endlessly useful, fenugreek found its way into both my kitchen and herbal remedies, proving that the simplest herbs often leave the biggest impact.
22. Saffron Crocus
Saffron crocus is a quiet kind of luxury. Its violet petals bloom briefly, but the real magic lies in those fragile red stigmas.
Harvesting them is an exercise in patience, a slow and careful ritual. Their aroma lingers, hinting at the richness they bring to every dish.
Thriving in dry, sunlit soil, it asks for little yet gives so much. Isn’t it amazing how this works?
23. Skullcap
There’s a quiet magic to skullcap. Its blue flowers peek through the greenery, bringing a sense of calm to even the busiest corners of my garden.
A few leaves in tea, and the stress of the day melts away. Soothing, just what I need to unwind.
It flourishes in the shade, happy in the stillness. A true healer! Nature’s best gifts often come in the softest forms.
24. Wasabi Rocket
There’s nothing quite like the spicy surprise of Wasabi Rocket. One bite, and it hits with the peppery heat of wasabi, balanced by the fresh crispness of arugula.
Its leaves aren’t just flavorful—they add color to the garden. Thriving in well-drained soil and plenty of sun, it grows fast, ready to liven up salads and sandwiches in no time.
Easy to care for and full of character, it’s a must-have for anyone who loves flavors and a bit of color.