Combining the aesthetics of ornamental plants with the functionality of edible herbs creates a garden space that’s both beautiful and practical. Known as “edimentals,” these plants offer visual appeal while providing culinary and medicinal benefits. Here are eight stunning herbs that deserve a spot in your flowerbeds, transforming your garden into an edimental paradise.
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Why It Belongs:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Lavender’s silvery-green foliage and spikes of fragrant purple flowers add a touch of elegance to any flowerbed.
- Culinary Uses: The flowers can be used to flavor desserts, teas, and savory dishes.
- Medicinal Properties: Known for its calming effects, lavender is often used in aromatherapy and herbal remedies.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
- Water sparingly, as lavender is drought-tolerant.
2. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Why It Belongs:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Chives produce lovely, spherical purple flowers that attract pollinators.
- Culinary Uses: Both the leaves and flowers are edible, adding a mild onion flavor to dishes.
- Low Maintenance: Chives are hardy and easy to grow.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Keep the soil moist but well-drained.
3. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Why It Belongs:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Sage offers textured, gray-green leaves and spikes of purple or blue flowers.
- Culinary Uses: Essential in many savory dishes, sage leaves add a distinct flavor.
- Medicinal Properties: Used for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
4. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Why It Belongs:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Thyme’s tiny, aromatic leaves and clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers create a dense, attractive ground cover.
- Culinary Uses: A versatile herb, thyme is used in numerous culinary applications.
- Medicinal Properties: Known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
- Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Why It Belongs:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Rosemary’s needle-like leaves and blue flowers add height and texture to flowerbeds.
- Culinary Uses: An essential herb in Mediterranean cuisine, rosemary pairs well with meats and vegetables.
- Medicinal Properties: Used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
- Avoid overwatering; rosemary prefers drier conditions.
6. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Why It Belongs:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Known as pot marigold, calendula’s bright yellow and orange flowers add a splash of color.
- Culinary Uses: The petals are edible and can be used in salads, soups, and teas.
- Medicinal Properties: Calendula is used for its skin-healing properties.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Keep the soil evenly moist.
7. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Why It Belongs:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Borage produces stunning blue, star-shaped flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
- Culinary Uses: The flowers and leaves are edible, often used in salads and beverages.
- Medicinal Properties: Traditionally used to relieve stress and inflammation.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
- Water regularly, but do not let the soil become waterlogged.
8. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Why It Belongs:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Fennel’s feathery, aromatic foliage and tall, yellow umbels add a unique texture to flowerbeds.
- Culinary Uses: Both the bulbs and seeds are used in cooking, adding a sweet, anise-like flavor.
- Medicinal Properties: Known for aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
- Water moderately, ensuring the soil remains moist but not saturated.
Creating Your Edimental Paradise
To create a truly stunning and functional garden, consider the following tips:
- Design for Diversity: Mix herbs with various textures, colors, and heights to create visual interest and biodiversity.
- Companion Planting: Pair herbs that benefit each other. For example, planting basil near tomatoes can enhance growth and flavor.
- Maintenance: Regularly prune and harvest herbs to encourage healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Many herbs attract beneficial insects. By including them in your flowerbeds, you support local pollinators and enhance your garden’s ecosystem.
Conclusion
Incorporating these beautiful herbs into your flowerbeds not only enhances the visual appeal of your garden but also provides fresh, flavorful, and medicinal benefits right at your fingertips. Embrace the concept of edimentals and transform your garden into a thriving, multifunctional paradise.