Six Herbs for Spring

Spring is the season of beginnings — tender leaves, fresh flavors, and gardens waking up after winter’s rest. While many gardeners rush toward tomatoes and peppers, experienced herb growers know that the real magic of spring starts with herbs.

These early-season herbs do far more than flavor your kitchen. They improve soil health, attract pollinators, repel troublesome insects, and support neighboring plants through natural companion planting. In many ways, herbs act as the quiet caretakers of the garden, creating balance long before summer arrives.

 

Planting a thoughtful mix of herbs in spring sets the tone for the entire growing season. The six herbs below are hardworking companions that nurture both your garden ecosystem and your spring table.

 

Basil: Basil can benefit the growth petunias and the flavors of tomatoes, asparagus, peppers and oregano; it should not be planted near common rue or sage, and it will kill rosemary. To increase the essential oils in your basil, plant chamomile or anise.

 

Borage: Borage acts as a deterrent to tomato hornworms and cabbage worms and is known to attract bees and wasps. It also improves soil composition and helps any plants near it be more resistant to both pests and disease. Plant borage with strawberries, tomatoes or squash to enhance both the flavor and amount of your fruit or vegetable harvest.

 

Chamomile: In addition to increasing the essential oils of any nearby herbs, chamomile can help basil, wheat, onions, cabbage and cucumber plants. This herb also attracts hoverflies and wasps, which assist in pollination and prey on aphids and other pest insects.

 

Chives: A long-term investment, chives are often planted in conjunction with tomatoes, carrots, apple trees and roses. At first growth they will repel aphids from tomatoes, mums and sunflowers, and after about three years they have known to prevent apple scab and rose black spot.

Cilantro / Coriander: This familiar kitchen spice will deter aphids, potato beetles, and spider mites. It’s a good companion to anise, caraway, spinach and dill. If you have continued problems with spider mites, a tea made from coriander can repel them.

 

Dill: Companion to lettuce, cabbage, onions, sweet corn and cucumbers, dill should not be planted near carrots, caraway, lavender or tomatoes (it attracts tomato horn worms). This herb will keep aphids, spider mites and squash bugs from taking over your garden and will attract hoverflies, wasps, and honeybees. To avoid cross-pollination, don’t plant dill near fennel.

 

Simple Recipes Using Your Six Spring Herbs

One of the joys of growing herbs is walking from garden to kitchen with fresh ingredients in hand. These easy recipes celebrate the bright, clean flavors of spring and encourage frequent harvesting — which keeps plants thriving.

Spring Garden Herb Butter

Perfect for vegetables, grilled meats, potatoes, or warm bread.

• 1 stick softened butter
• 2 Tbsp fresh chives, minced
  
  
  
• 1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh dill
• 1 tsp chopped cilantro
• Pinch lemon zest
• Optional: edible borage flowers for garnish

Directions
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Roll into parchment paper to form a log and chill. Slice as needed.

Tip: Freeze extra herb butter for summer grilling season.

Herbal Spreads and butters were among the first blends I created and are still the most popular, see a list of all of them here: Herb Butters

Chamomile & Basil Spring Tea

• 1 Tbsp fresh or dried chamomile flowers
• 3–4 fresh basil leaves
• 2 cups hot water
• Honey or lemon (optional)

Directions
Steep herbs for 5–7 minutes. Strain and enjoy warm or chilled.

Of if you want a more rounded tea flavor featuring Chamomile, check out these teas from Backyard Patch Herbs.

Fresh Spring Herb Salad Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice or herbal vinegar
  
  
  
• 1 Tbsp chopped dill
• 1 Tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 Tbsp chopped chives
• ½ tsp honey
• Pinch black pepper

Directions
Whisk together and toss with fresh greens, cucumbers, or roasted asparagus.

For A set of our Salt-free Salad Dressing mixes, check out this: Salad Dressing bundles

Borage Blossom Strawberry Salad

• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Baby greens
• Borage flowers
• Goat cheese or toasted nuts
• Light vinaigrette

Directions
Combine ingredients and top with borage blossoms just before serving. Their cucumber-like flavor highlights spring fruit beautifully.

Spring herbs remind us that gardening is not just about harvest — it is about relationships. These plants feed pollinators, protect neighboring crops, enrich soil, and reward us with fresh flavor long before the main garden reaches its peak.

By planting basil, borage, chamomile, chives, cilantro, and dill, you create a garden that works with nature instead of against it. A few thoughtfully placed herbs can transform both your garden beds and your meals, inviting you to slow down, harvest often, and celebrate the season of renewal.

Plant generously, harvest freely, and let spring begin with herbs.

 

Rose and Anise Tea - Tea Blend of the Month

This month we have a couple of uncommon herbs to use in our tea. Yarrow and Anise hyssop.  The both make a sweeter, yet earthy tea flavor and are great compainons to the added citurs flavors of this blend.

Yarrow has a number of surprising benefits, including helping wounds heal faster, reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure.  It assists with blood clotting and regulating asthma symptoms. It also helps maintain a regular period. It has also been know to reduce anxiety.

Anise Hyssop - Used as an infusion in tea and cold remedies will relieve congestion. It is also used to strengthen a weak heart. A hot infusion will induce perspiration and is therefore useful in treating fevers. A cold infusion of Agastache foeniculum leaves is used to relieve pains in the chest from excessive coughing.

Rosehips- Rosehips are the seed-filled bulbs that grow at the base of the blossom of a rose. They have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Native Americans have used rosehip tea to soothe sore throats and indigestion.  Rosehips contain vitamins C, E, and B as well as other minerals and antioxidants.  They also contain a substance that may ease inflammation.

Bee Balm – a native of North America the possess vibrant, tube-shaped flowers, in shades of red, pink, purple which attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In tea it is great for digestive problems and boosting immunity. An antioxidant it is also supportive to the respiratory and urinary systems.

Rosehip and Anise Hyssop Tea

• 2 parts Rose Hips
• 3 parts Anise Hyssop
• 3 parts Yarrow
• 1 part Bergamot

Combine ingredients and use 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of hot water. Allow to steep 5 to 7 minutes.

Stimulating Tub Tea - Bath Blend of the Month

This blend is perfect for energizing in the before spring doldrums.  It has lavender and lemon verbena as well as citrus peel.

The lavender is balancing and will rejuvenate when combined with citrus scents. With lemon verbena the scent is relaxing and the effect is anti-bacterial.  Add to that the antibacterial and anti-viral properties of the citrus peel and you have a blend that will stimulate as well as heal. And the lemongrass essential oil is a great germ-fighter.

Stimulating Bathtub Tea

• ½ cup lavender flower buds
• ½ cup lemon verbena (or lemon balm) leaves
• ½ cup chopped lemon or orange peel
• 10 drop lavender essential oil
• 6 drops lemongrass essential oil

Mix well in a large bowl.  Add essential oil.  Place ¼ cup of mixture into a cotton sachet or the center of a wash cloth and tie shut. 

To Use: Place sachet in hot bath water for 3 to 5 minutes before sliding in to enjoy the bath.

 

 

One Herb Mix, Five Party Dishes

(How to Let the Herbs Do the Work)

There’s a moment before guests arrive when the kitchen feels full — not just of food, but of anticipation. Platters are lining up. Glasses are ready. Someone’s going to ask what’s in that dip.

And here’s the secret: you don’t need five complicated recipes. You need one good herb mix.

When a blend is thoughtfully balanced — herbs layered for brightness, depth, and aroma — it becomes the backbone of a gathering. Instead of reinventing flavor over and over, you let the blend carry the meal.

Here’s how one herb mix – Boursin Blend, can create five completely different party dishes.

 Five Party Dishes Using Boursin Blend

1. The Signature Dip

This is the easiest and most expected — and often the first thing to disappear.

Stir 1 to 2 Tbls Boursin Blend into:

Boursin in Goat Cheese on baguette

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 oz. cream cheese or goat cheese
• or a dairy-free base of your choice

Let it rest at least 30 minutes so the flavors bloom.

Serve with:

• fresh vegetables
• crackers
• toasted baguette slices

Why it works: The herbs hydrate and expand, creating a full, rounded flavor without extra salt or additives.

2. Herb-Roasted Party Nuts

Toss raw or lightly roasted nuts with:

• olive oil or melted butter
• a spoonful of herb mix
• a pinch of sea salt if needed

Spread on a sheet pan and warm gently in the oven (about 300°F for 10–15 minutes).

Let cool before serving.

Why it works: Heat wakes up dried herbs. The oils carry their flavor, making something simple feel intentional and elegant.

3. Instant Herb Flatbread or Crostini

Brush sliced baguette or flatbread with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with the Boursin Blend. Toast until golden and crisp.

These pair beautifully with:

• cheeses
• charcuterie
• olive spreads
• hummus

Why it works: The herbs toast slightly, releasing aroma and creating a warm, inviting flavor that feels both rustic and refined.

4. Herb-Infused Olive Oil

In a small bowl, stir 1 to 2 Tbls of Boursin Blend into good olive oil. Let it sit at least 20–30 minutes before serving.

Serve with:

• torn bread
• grilled vegetables
• drizzled over burrata or fresh mozzarella

Why it works: The oil extracts flavor gently, creating a dip or drizzle that feels elevated but takes almost no effort.

5. The “Unexpected” Finish

Here’s where guests get curious.

Sprinkle the Boursin Blend lightly over:

• deviled eggs
• sliced tomatoes
• a warm grain salad
• popcorn
• roasted vegetables

Used as a finishing touch, the blend becomes a flavor accent instead of a base.

Why it works: Herbs added at the end stay bright and aromatic, giving dishes a fresh, lively feel.

Why This Approach Changes Hosting

Using one herb mix across several dishes:

• Creates flavor harmony across the table
• Reduces prep stress
• Makes you look incredibly organized
• Allows you to focus on people, not recipes

It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing it thoughtfully.

One can use Boursin Blend or Potato Topper or even our Best Seller, Garlic and Herb Combo with all of these ideas and have a great selection of tastes.  When a blend is well crafted, it carries layers of flavor — leafy, floral, savory, bright — so you don’t have to chase complexity. You simply let the herbs do the work.

A Gentle Hosting Reminder

Parties don’t have to be complicated to be memorable.

Sometimes what people remember most is:

• the warmth of the bread
• the aroma of herbs
• the comfort of simple food done well

One blend. Five dishes. And a table that feels effortless.

Pleasant Home Tea Blend - Tea of the Month

 In Late January I did one of several programs called Curative Properties of Tea (see program page if interested). As part of this program we sip tea while learning about herbs and thier various properties.  At the Park District of Oak Park, Pleasant Home facility, 12 people braved the cold and the snow to join us.  As the final part of the program we use our new knowledge to create a tea bland to sample.

It was described as smooth, flavorful and light by participants.  It is a light pink to red color with a ton of medicinal properties from the herbs included. We used a base of lemongrass with all of its anti-inflamatory and anti-bacterial properties and built on that with immunity boosting ingredients.

Lemongrass imparts a fresh, lemony, and slightly gingery flavor to dishes and beverages. It is great for digestive health, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.  It can reduce anxiety and aid sleep.  It will also help to detoxify the body with its diuretic effects.

Hibiscus – Used in tea to add a bit of color, Hibiscus has been studied recently to confirm that it can be helpful in lowering cholesterol, improving HDL “good” cholesterol, and lowering blood sugar.

Elderberry – a documented immunity booster, these berries are used for reducing the symptoms of the flu.  Only the berries and flowers should be used, not the stems or leaves as they can include cyanide.

Calendula – this lovely golden flower is an effective skin care treatment is does have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and would healing properties.

Rosehips- Rosehips are the seed-filled bulbs that grow at the base of the blossom of a rose. They have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Native Americans have used rosehip tea to soothe sore throats and indigestion.  Rosehips contain vitamins C, E, and B as well as other minerals and antioxidants.  They also contain a substance that may ease inflammation.

Pleasant Home Tea 

2 parts Lemongrass

1 part Hibiscus

1 part Calendula

1 part Elderberry

1/2 part Rose hips

Blend the herbs in a jar and shake to combine.  Use about 1 to 2 tsp per cup of hot water and allow to steep 5 to 7 minutes before serving.  Sip in the morning or afternoon to enjoy the health benefits.

Hope you enjoy this tea as much as we did!

Three Ingredient Teas for Hot Tea Month

I pulled together these easy-to-craft recipes for tea which feature only three ingredients.  They can be crafted with equal amounts of each ingredient, but I like a more proportional recipe based on actual ingredients and its potency.  For example:

Here’s a simple, reliable blending framework:

• Leafy herbs: largest proportion
• Flowers: moderate (they carry aroma fast)
• Roots & barks: small amounts
• Seeds & spices: smallest amounts

A classic herbal tea ratio:

• 3–5 parts leafy herbs
• 1–2 parts flowers
• 1/2 –1 part roots or seeds
• 1/4 to 1/2 part spices

So enjoy these recipes to make your winter more enjoyable.  Start with a part that is 1 teaspoon, then if you like the blend use a Tablespoon as the part, to have enough for more than one cup of tea.  The general rule with herb teas is 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 to 10 ounces of water and allow to steep for 5 to 10 minutes.  With Green or Black teas steep only 2 minutes.

Winter Comfort Tea

• 1 part Chamomile
• 1/2 Ginger root, grated
• 1/4 part Cinnamon, broken

Why it works: Calming, gently warming, and perfect for evenings or snowy days.
Tip: Great with a touch of honey.

 

2. Cold Weather Calm

• 2 parts Lemon balm
• 1 part Peppermint
• 1 part Elderflower

Why it works: Bright and soothing without being medicinal—nice for stressy winter days.

3. Fireside Spice Tea

• 2 parts Rooibos
• 1/2 part Cinnamon
• 1/2 to 1 part Orange peel, broken or chopped

Why it works: Naturally caffeine-free, rich, and warming with a subtle citrus lift.
Feels like: A hug in a mug.

 

4. Throat & Soul Tea

• 1/2 part Marshmallow root
• 1/4 part Licorice root
• 1 part Peppermint

Why it works: Smooth, soothing, and especially nice during dry winter months.
Note: Naturally sweet without sugar.

 

5. Winter Garden Mint 

• 1 part Spearmint
• 1/2 part Lemon peel
• 1 part Rose petals

Why it works: Light, uplifting, and reminds you that gardens return 🌸
Lovely as: An afternoon pick-me-up.

 

6. Snow Day Chai-ish

• 1 part Black tea (or roasted dandelion root for caffeine-free)
• 1/2 part Ginger root, grated (1/4 part powdered)
• 1/4 part Cardamom seeds

Why it works: Cozy spice without a long ingredient list.

 

7. Simple Herbal Nightcap

• 2 parts Linden
• 1 part Chamomile
• 1/2 part Lemon peel, grated

Why it works: Gentle, floral, and relaxing—perfect before bed.