Growing herbs for their flavor and fragrance is a no-brainer. But these delicious garden additions can be a boon for home decor, too. A number of herbs make for beautiful accompaniments to flower arrangements and decorative wreaths. (Because what’s nicer than the scent of rosemary or lavender as you open your front door or walk past the dining table?) If you’re lucky enough to have an abundance of herbs, there are plenty of ways to enjoy them that don’t include consuming them. If you have lavender, bee balm or other pretty herbs, you can even display them all on their own.
When it comes to creating arrangements, some herbs will last longer than others, so choose accordingly. Avoid basil, for example, because it will droop and discolor within hours of picking. The best herbs for a wreath are hardy evergreens such as bay stems, sage, rosemary, lavender, and even some flowering thyme stems that will add a splash of color.
Herbs make a wonderfully rustic display when you dry them, too. Harvest on a sunny day when they are dry and tie them in bunches. You can start the process on a washing line before moving them inside. Make sure you hang them in a warm, dry place and wrap them in muslin to keep the dust away. Leave them alone for around 10 days before storing for use in your cooking.
Combining the lovely colors and textures of the many different herbs available can make a beautifully scented rustic arrangement in an old enamel bucket, for example, placed on your outdoor dining table.
Try making a romantic gesture with a heart-shaped wreath. Using a single herb for this project packs a big punch. Delicious rosemary works great as a fragrant and beautiful decoration both inside and out.