A Gentle Shift – Herbs and Tea for the Return to Fall Routines

As August fades into September, the pace of life begins to change. Summer vacations wind down, school schedules return, and mornings suddenly arrive earlier than anyone would like. The transition can feel exciting, exhausting, and emotional all at once—for adults and children alike.

Herbs, especially herbs in tea, offer gentle support during this seasonal shift, helping create moments of calm, focus, and comfort as routines settle back into place. Here are a few tea suggestions to help you along the way.

Lemon Balm Tea

🌿 Lemon Balm and Lavender for Calm

Back-to-school season can bring nervousness and overstimulation, especially after relaxed summer days. Lemon balm and lavender are two herbs traditionally used to encourage calm and relaxation.

A simple evening tea can help create a peaceful bedtime ritual before busy school mornings begin.

Calming Evening Tea

• 2 parts lemon balm
• 1 part chamomile
• ½ part lavender

Steep for 5–7 minutes and sweeten lightly with honey if desired.

The flavor is gentle and approachable, making it ideal for family tea time.

We have two Backyard Patch Teas that are perfect to include in this ritual.  Calming Spirit - A soul-soothing blend designed to quiet the nerves and settle the stomach. The delicate balance of rosemary, lavender, spearmint, chamomile, and cloves creates a mildly minty, aromatic infusion that brings tranquility with every sip. Enjoy it hot for a cozy evening wind-down or iced for a refreshing moment of calm. Holy Basil Relaxing Tea - Unwind naturally with this calming evening blend designed to quiet busy minds and ease you into restful sleep. Holy basil, lemongrass, lemon balm, peppermint, fennel, sage, hibiscus, and rose hips create a lightly citrusy, minty cup with soothing herbal depth. Packed with comforting herbs and vitamin C-rich ingredients, it’s the perfect nighttime ritual for relaxation and wellness support. Cozy, calming, and wonderfully grounding!

🌿 Rosemary for Focus and Memory

Rosemary has long been associated with memory and concentration. Students in ancient Greece reportedly wore rosemary garlands while studying, believing the herb sharpened the mind.

Whether or not one believes the legends, rosemary’s invigorating scent certainly awakens the senses.

Try:

• Adding rosemary to lemonade or herbal iced tea
• Simmering rosemary on the stove for an aromatic study environment
• Using rosemary in snack mixes or roasted nuts

We created a headache tea using a combination of rosemary with other herbs called Headache Liberation, that is bright and refreshing. This citrusy-herbal blend brings together lemon verbena, lemon balm, lavender, catnip, rosemary, and sage to help release tension and clear the mind. Whether it’s stress, sinus pressure, or a long day weighing on you, this tea is a breath of fresh air.

🌿 Building Immune Support

The return to classrooms often means the return of seasonal sniffles. Late summer is an excellent time to begin incorporating supportive herbs into daily routines.

Classic herbs include:

• Thyme
• Sage
• Elderflower
• Echinacea
• Mint

These can be blended into teas, syrups, or steam blends for seasonal wellness support.

Simple Wellness Tea Blend

• 2 parts thyme
• 1 part elderflower
• 1 part peppermint

This blend has a pleasant flavor while offering comforting herbal warmth.

If you want to look into our teas, we have Winter Remedy - A cool, soothing blend designed to bring relief during cold and flu season. Rosehips deliver a burst of vitamin C, sage works to fight germs, and peppermint provides a cooling effect to ease fevers and body aches. A winter staple to keep you feeling your best. Or Tulsi Rose Tea - Soft floral notes and comforting herbs come together in this soothing, immune-supportive blend. Holy basil (tulsi), lemon balm, rose petals, and elderflower create a rich reddish-brown tea with a slightly sweet, robust flavor that feels warm and calming from the very first sip. Perfect for winding down at night, easing frazzled nerves, and keeping cozy during cold and flu season. A peaceful cup for body and spirit alike!

🍎 Small Rituals Matter

The transition back to routine doesn’t have to feel abrupt. A cup of tea after school, herbs tucked into lunches, or a calming evening bath can help create comforting rituals that ease the change of season.

Herbs remind us to slow down and pay attention—even during busy times. As summer softens into autumn, they offer both flavor and reassurance, helping families settle gently into the rhythms ahead.

Revitalizing Bath Blend - Bath Blend of the Month

This lemony bath combination will soothe and relax, while revitalizing muscles and energy.  And being the summit of harvesting, you can use fresh herbs too.  See below for a single batch using fresh herbs.

Revitalizing Bath Blend 

• ½ cup lavender flowers
• ¼ cup lemon verbena
• ¼ cup lemon balm (You can substitute ½ cup of one or the other)
• ½ cup lemon or orange peel
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 6 drops lemon grass essential oil 

Combine all herbs in a plastic bowl. Add oils by the drop and stir with a plastic spoon or spatula (not with your hands.) Allow to meld for an hour and then place about ¼ cup in a cotton muslin bag or heat-sealed tea bag.

TO USE: allow bath bag to steep in hot bath water for 3 to 5 minutes before bathing.

Fresh Herb Version (makes 1 bath)

• 2 Tbls fresh or dried lavender buds
• 2 Tbls fresh lemon verbena leaves, crushed
• 2 Tbls lemon balm leaves, torn
• 2 Tbls frsh lemon zest
• 6 drops of matching essential oils, if desired

Nature's Coolest Helpers: Beating the Heat with Herbs

When the temperatures climb like they are this week in Illinois and surrounding areas, it's tempting to retreat indoors with the air conditioner running full blast. But herbs have been helping people stay cool, hydrated, and refreshed for centuries and are worth a try. Whether you're sipping a glass of herbal iced tea, adding cooling herbs to your meals, or harvesting from your garden in the early morning, herbs can make even the hottest summer days more enjoyable.

Cool from the Inside Out

Many herbs have naturally refreshing flavors that make them perfect for summer drinks.

Mint

Perhaps the king of cooling herbs, mint creates a refreshing sensation thanks to its natural menthol. Add fresh sprigs to water, lemonade, iced tea, or fruit salads. Mint also makes an excellent herbal tea that's just as delicious served over ice.

Lemon Balm

With its gentle lemon aroma and calming qualities, lemon balm is wonderful for stressful, hot afternoons. Brew it into an iced tea or combine it with mint for a refreshing summer blend.

Hibiscus

If you're looking for something colorful, hibiscus makes a beautiful ruby-red iced tea. Its tart, cranberry-like flavor pairs well with honey, citrus, or berries and is wonderfully thirst-quenching.

Lavender

A small amount of lavender adds a floral touch to lemonade or iced tea. Just a little goes a long way, creating an elegant summer beverage perfect for entertaining.

Add Herbs to Summer Meals

Heavy meals can feel overwhelming in hot weather. Fresh herbs brighten lighter dishes and add plenty of flavor without extra salt.

Try adding:

• 
  Basil to tomato salads and pasta. We love to slice tomato and cucumber and spread them on a plate.  Sprinkle them with our Greek Blend and drizzle with olive oil and/or balsamic vinegar.  Cool, refreshing and filled with summer goodness.
  
• Dill to cucumber salads and yogurt dips.
• Parsley to grain bowls and potato salad, perfect with our Summer only Potato Salad Seasoning.
• Chives over grilled vegetables.
• Cilantro in fresh salsa and tacos.

Herbs allow simple seasonal produce to shine.

Make Your Own Cooling Infused Water

Skip sugary drinks and make a naturally flavored herbal water.

Some favorite combinations include:

• Mint + cucumber
• Lemon balm + lemon slices
• Basil + strawberries
• Lavender + blueberries
• Rosemary + orange slices
• Borage + cucumber

Let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for several hours before serving over ice.

Zesty Citrus Cooler (Made with Zesty Lemon Tea)

• 2 Tbsp Backyard Patch Zesty Lemon Tea
• 2 cups hot water
• 4 cups cold water
• Lime slices
• Lemon slices
• Cucumber ribbons
• Mint

Brew tea in two cups water and allow to steep 15 minutes.  Add cold water along with lemon, lime and cucumber and allow to chill several hours.  Then serve with ice and a sprig of mint. Perfect after gardening or spending time outdoors.

Harvest Smart During Hot Weather

Summer heat can be tough on herbs too.

For the best flavor:

• Harvest early in the morning.
• Water deeply rather than frequently.
• Mulch around plants to keep roots cool.
• Pinch flowers on leafy herbs like basil and mint to encourage fresh growth.
• Dry herbs indoors where temperatures are moderate.

A little care keeps your herb garden productive throughout the hottest months.

Herbs Beyond the Kitchen

Cooling herbs aren't limited to food and drinks.

Fresh herbs can also be used to make:

• Herbal facial mists
• Cooling foot soaks
• Bath sachets
• Refreshing linen sprays
• Homemade herbal ice cubes for beverages

These simple projects help you enjoy your harvest in new ways while making hot summer days feel a bit more comfortable.

Stay Cool Naturally

Summer doesn't have to mean simply enduring the heat. Herbs bring fresh flavors, beautiful aromas, and cooling refreshment to everyday life. Whether you're harvesting from your own garden or picking up a bundle at the market, there's always another delicious way to let herbs help you beat the heat.

So pour yourself a glass of iced herbal tea, head outside in the early morning to gather a few sprigs from the garden, and enjoy one of the season's greatest gifts—fresh herbs at their peak.

 

Deer Proof Your Garden with these 10 Herbs - Herb of the Week

Gardening in Deer Country depends on a number of factors including weather, attitudes of neighbors, and the season.  If your neighbors feed the deer in winter, you will have more deer closer to your home.  They are creatures of habit and once they find someplace they like, they will keep returning. But having a fragrant herb garden is a confusing place for deer. They use scent to keep track of predators, so the scents in the garden can overpower that making them shy away.

Having a dog in the yard, even a small one can also deter deer.  Solutions with blood meal, urine, peppers, garlic, eggs and mint also keep away unwanted animals.  Applying these products around your property edge can work wonders.  However, they will need to be reapplied after rain or heavy watering.

If you have a floral landscape you many want to incorporate some of the plants in the following list to add the kinds of scents deer tend to avoid. Here is a list of 10:

1. Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) - A hardy perennial that grows to about 2 1/2 feet; deer generally dislike the foliage because of its bitter menthol-like flavor.  It will self-seed, so dead head the blooms.
   

2. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) - This native plant comes in many varieties and any will work.  Blooming in the fall it will send out 3 foot panicles in late summer.  You can start form seed or plants.

3. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - Grow this in a container so you can bring it inside for winter.  You want an upright variety that will be a deer nose level, as they dislike the scent.

4. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) Another Native perennial in the mint family, the dense spikes of purple flowers are very fragrant on 3-to-4-foot stems.  Not only will it attract bees and other pollinators, the scent keep deer at bay.

5. French Tarragon (Artemesia dracunculus) This perennial can get to 2 to 3 feet in the second year it has bittersweet leaves with an anise scent deer dislike.

6. Poppy (Papaver orientale) - This reseeding annual has pretty blooms in a myriad of colors and forms.  It is easy to grow, just scatter the seed throughout the garden.

7. Lavender (Lavendula spp) - Many varieties and species to pick from choose the stronger scented ones for deer resistance and the lighter scented ones to cook with.  Start them from plants and stick to the ones hardiest in your area.

8, Santolina (Santolina spp) comes in both gray and green leaf forms, it is a small shrub with strongly scented leaves.  Only 12 to 16 inches tall is makes a nice evergreen edging that can create a nice barrier.

9. Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) another hearty shrub, it has bright red berries and sharp spines.  It is easy to grow as a hedge  and can reach 8 feet tall in ideal conditions.  Place it in the back of the garden where deer like to slip in and they will think twice.

10. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) a hearty native milkweed, it has yellow, red and orange blooms that butterflies adore.

The key to making these plants work for you is allowing them to get to a mature size, so protect the young seedlings from rabbits and deer with small cages.

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.

 

 

Green Lavender Bath Soak - Bath Blend of the Month

This lovely bath soak features lavender leaves and other fresh green herbs from your garden, such as mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, or plantain.

Green Lavender Bath Soak 

Blend equal parts of fresh chopped green herbs in any combination you want, and Epsom salt in a mini food processor.

Spread the green colored salt over a sheet of wax paper and allow to air dry for a day or two, then crumble or re-blend the mix to an even texture.

If desired, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda, to help soften the water, and a few drops of lavender essential oil, for scent.

Add a half batch, or the whole amount, into a comfortably warm bath while the water is running.

For easier cleanup, pour the bath soak into a muslin tea bag or old sock before adding to the tub.

Zap out Muscle Aches - Bath Blend of the Month

Zap Out Muscle Aches

No hot water bottle or heating pad handy? Try moistening a thick hand towel, or modest-size bath towel, folding it, then heating it in a microwave oven for about I minute and 30 seconds. Check to make sure it's not too hot, then press this "moist heat" pad on aching muscles. When it cools down, reheat for about 30 seconds. Use a face towel for smaller aches.

If you have an old clean sock and a few herbs and rice, you can make something herby to use in the mircowave as well. Here is a blend you can create, place in a sock (or if you are sewing inclined, create a small fabirc pillow,) and warm up to place on sore muscles and joints.

Zap out Muscle Mixture

Take a clean, heavyweight sock such as a cotton tube sock. 

4-5 cups of raw rice

1/4 cup lavender buds

1/8 cup chopped ginger

1 Tbls Valerian root

Fill the sock about 1/2 full with rice and add the herbs and spices.  Tie a knot in the top of the sock or wrap string around it and tie firmly. Massage the sock to distribute the herbs.

To Use: Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, until it's the right temperature. It's a heating pad that will fit against sore muscles, especially sore necks. Take care not to get it wet.

Green Cleaning a Video -- From Batavia Community TV

On September 17, 2025 I presented a program at the Batavia Public Library on Green Cleaning with Herbs.  The presentation was recorded by Community TV and we have the link to share with you here.  If you have wanted to see me in person but have not had an opportunity, you can check this out.

See the video here is the link - you will need to cut and paste it: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5hRLVshQyk

At Backyard Patch Herbs, we believe in using nature’s bounty to keep our homes fresh and toxin-free. Our Green Clean program dives into the art of chemical-free cleaning, offering techniques and recipes to make natural cleaning both easy and effective. Here, we’re sharing a simple yet powerful herbal cleaning recipe to get you started!

Herbal Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner

This multipurpose spray is great for countertops, sinks, and even glass. The vinegar cuts through grime, while citrus and herbs provide a fresh scent and antimicrobial boost.

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, lavender, or a mix)
• Peels of 1 lemon or orange
• 10 drops essential oil (optional; lemon, tea tree, or lavender work well)

Instructions:

1. Place citrus peels and dried herbs in a mason jar. Pour vinegar over the ingredients and let sit for at least a week to infuse. Strain out the solids and mix with water in a spray bottle. Add essential oils if desired, shake well, and use as needed!

This cleaner is a fantastic way to harness the antibacterial properties of herbs while filling your home with a fresh, uplifting scent.

Moonlit Comfort Soak - Bath Blend of the Month

Here's a calming, nurturing Cancer Zodiac Bath Blend that reflects Cancer’s deep emotional sensitivity, love of comfort, and connection to water. Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which governs tides, intuition, and the home—so this bath soak is all about soothing the senses and creating a cocoon of self-care.

♋ Cancer Zodiac Bath Blend

Moonlit Comfort Soak

For emotional balance, relaxation, and heart-centered restoration

• 1/4 cup chamomile flowers (calming, soothing for skin and spirit)
• 1/4 cup lemon balm (uplifting and gentle; helps ease anxiety)
• 2 Tbsp rose petals (emotional heart support, self-love)
• 1 Tbsp lavender buds (relaxing and comforting)
• 1/4 cup Epsom salt (muscle-relaxing and energetically grounding)
• 1/4 cup sea salt (cleansing and detoxifying)
• Optional: 3–5 drops chamomile or rose essential oil, added just before bath time (never directly to dry herbs for long-term storage)

Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Store in an airtight jar. 

To Use: For each bath, scoop about 1/2 cup of the blend into a muslin bag, tea infuser, or directly into the tub (if you're okay with a bit of floating flora). Fill your tub with warm water, add the herbal blend, and let it steep for a few minutes before getting in. Soak for at least 20 minutes, ideally with candlelight or moonlight for the full Cancer effect.

Tip for Cancer Energy:

For extra comfort, pair your soak with soft music, a cup of warm tea made with Backyard Patch Cancer Herb Blend, and journaling or meditation to honor the nurturing, intuitive self.

How to make Edible Flower Spread - How Tuesday

One of the most decorative and easy to create dishes you can make for summer gatherings. Just a few simple ingredients but a lovely item that will be talk of the event. 

Here is a list of possbile Edible flowers to use in your creation:

• Pansies are probably the most common of all edible flowers, so pretty and they come in a wide range of colors and hues. Pansies are really more showy than flavorful but you might note a slight "grassy" taste.
• 
  
  Violets grow wild in the spring and early summer (depending on where you live) and can also be grown as a landscape perennial (known as sweet violets). Violets have a sweet, floral flavor in both leaves and flowers. However, don't confuse violets with African violets which are usually considered non-edible.
• Johnny-Jump-Ups look like miniature pansies, but have a different flavor that is slightly "minty." some say they taste a bit like bubblegum! They're perfect on cakes or with soft mild cheese. Johnny-jump-ups, pansies and violets are all members of the Viola genus.
• Marigolds, like the name says, come in shades of yellow and gold. They have a mild citrus flavor. Another bonus to marigolds? Deer are not too wild about them, and tend to leave them alone in the garden!
• Roses are not only beautiful to look at and smell! All roses are edible, each has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. So stop and eat the roses!
• Honeysuckle flowers are abundant in the spring and, like the name says, have a sweet honey taste. They can be used as a pretty garnish, but also for tea, jelly, syrup and lots of other things. Just a note: only the flowers are edible, the berries are poisonous!
• Chive Blossoms are a beautiful pale purple and have a mild chive taste. They're lovely in salads and you can break apart the flowers and sprinkle the tiny pretty purple petals over vegetables, eggs, soup, potato salad, etc.
• Dandelions aren't just pesky weeds! You can eat dandelion greens. But everything; the leaves, the flowers and even the roots of the dandelion are edible. Dandelion leaves are a bit bitter, but the flowers have a sweet flavor. Their bright, cheerful color makes a beautiful addition to salads!
• Elderflower has a flavor profile described as uniquely fresh, fruity, green and slightly floral with subtle pear, lychee and tropical nuances. You can pair elderflower with light teas, as well as adding to fruit salads or combining in spreads or dips and use to make elderflower cordial. Remove the flowers fully from the stems which can be toxic.
• Nasturtium is a favorite flower for displaying and eating. Nasturtiums have brightly colored red, orange and yellow blossoms and round stiff leaves. Both the leaves and the flowers are edible with a slightly peppery flavor a bit like arugula. The blossoms have a milder taste and add color to garnish cakes, pastries, salads, soups, etc.
• Cornflowers, also known as Bachelor Buttons have a sweet, spicy clove-like flavor. Their brilliant blueish purple hue adds an eye-catching touch!
• Campanula (bell flower) has a mild, bland flavor so it's used more for the pretty purple flowers than for added flavor. The leaves and flowers of the Campanula plant can be used in salads and as an edible garnish for lots of other dishes.

Your first step is to gather the flowers.  Whatever is in season when you are ready to create the spread.

Pull the flowers from the stem. Save some whole for garnish and chop the rest fine.

I did cut flowers up with scissors directly into the cheese mixture, but I started with a bowl of cut flowers, like chamomile, roses, lavender, daisy, calendula, etc. Then added the pansies later.  I soaked the chopped flowers in 1 1/2 tsp of lemon juice while I blended the cheese and butter.

Step Two is the create the cheese mixture. Blend the one 8 oz. package of cream cheese with 1/4 cup of butter.

Once the cheese was blended, I added the thyme or savory and mixed well. Then blended in the flowers.  I use a fork to get everything well mixed, so I don't have clumps of cheese or butter in the final product.

Once everything is well blended, I placed it on some plastic wrap (or wax paper) and shaped it into a log.  

  

     

I placed the log in the refrigerator for about 15 to chill it, then I unwrap and cover the top side of the log with whole flowers (garnish.) Then I put the flower covered log back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. 

Place clean wrap over the flowers and allow to chill up to overnight.

When ready to serve, carefully unwrap the log and place on a decorative plate for serving.

Edible Flower Spread 

8 oz. package light cream cheese

1/4 cup butter

1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice

3 to 4 tsp fresh minced flowers

1 tsp fresh thyme or savory

Blend butter and cream cheese together with a fork in a medium bowl.  Add the lemon juice to herbs and allow to soak a couple minutes before blending into cheese and butter mixture.  Roll into a log and wrap in plastic wrap.  Allow to meld in refrigerator at least 1 hour before serving.  Spread on toasted French bread, crackers, cut vegetables or fruit wedges.