Lake Austin Spa Resort
Herbs are great for adding flavor and interest to recipes, but they also can add color and interest to flower arrangements. Their delicate flowers, interesting leaf shapes and aromas are real assets in flower design.
In some cases, flowers on our herb plants are undesirable as they can inhibit further leaf production. Basil is an annual and if it produces mature flowers with seeds, it no longer produces the spicy clove-scented leaves we love to add to our favorite recipes. Basil flowers are a long lasting, fragrant and beautiful addition to flower arrangements. Lemon basil is particularly abundant with its flowers, requiring pruning at least every other week to inhibit seed production. A vase filled with lemon basil or a combination of basils will provide a long lasting, fragrant decoration for your home. Basil also is a great fly repellant, so include several lush bouquets to the table setting at your next outdoor party or picnic. I have found that basil will sometimes form roots in the container, providing extra plants for your garden or to give as gifts.
Chive flowers are round, lavender colored and onion scented flowers. They make a great garnish, which holds up well for hours on a party tray. Separate the individual florets and scatter in salads or as garnish. Cut long stems on the chives and add several to a vase. They last a long time as a cut flower. Your chive plants will flourish because they are not putting energy into seed production and can produce more leaves. The beautiful white flowers of garlic chives should be cut regularly or the resulting seeds will create a chive forest in your garden. Use these garlic scented flowers with sprigs of rosemary for an appetizing bouquet for your kitchen.
Catnip, catmint, feverfew and other members of the mint family can be incredibly invasive if permitted to go to seed in your garden. To curb their fanatic reproduction, cut the flowers and enjoy them indoors.
Scented geraniums provide delicate lacy leaves with aromatic foliage. I love adding several sprigs of lemon-rose or peppermint scented geraniums to flower arrangements. Walk by and rub the leaves to release their perfume into the room.
Eucalyptus is also a favorite in arrangements, especially the clean crisp fragrance of lemon eucalyptus. We have to protect it for the winter, but we grow three varieties in our medicinal garden.
Dill and fennel flowers are striking tall additions to flower arrangements and lend fragrance as well.
Powis castle artemisia provides a lacy delicate filler material for arrangements, while Silver King and southernwood artemisia make strong vertical lines.
Consider using mints, sages, oreganos, thymes and other herbs with the flowers you grow and decorate with indoors. Your plants will benefit from the pruning and you will enjoy the pleasing colors and aromas indoors.
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