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Do You Grow Herbs with Flowers?

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Herbs in pots are my favorite way to grow kitchen seasonings because it is easier to make sure that the soil they grow in is clean. Clean dirt? Yep, no added chemicals for me. Also, it makes them easier to harvest, or to just ruffle up for lovely fragrances that southern bugs do not like.

Adding flowers to the pots brightens them up even more for porch and deck spaces. In the photo shown, clockwise from top you first see chocolate mint with red wave petunias and lime coleus. It is a real mix of color and fragrance. The pot was built for a part sun, part shade spot.

Next is our eucalyptus that for various reasons had to start from the ground up this spring, but we were thankful it made it. I’m hoping to start many small ones from this plant to use in pots. Though it is not edible it does have some amazing uses and is a delightful plant to own.

Going on around the clock there are hardy white zinnias with thyme growing around the plant. Zinnias are a hardy summer flower that take heat well and are a bit draught tolerant. I’m hoping the strong herb will deter the destructive squirrels that like to tip the flower pots over and ravage them.

Growing your own herbs has many benefits, not the least of which is that fresh is best when cooking. I like the opportunity to have ones I’ve grown on hand for medicinal purposes (not pictured is lemon balm which repels mosquitoes when I’m working outside evenings and also makes a great tea for wintertime congestion). That they are easy to grow is the big bonus.

One of the quiz questions below is about using herbs in desserts. If this interests you take a look at my Blueberry Basil Goat Cheese Gateau. Most people I’ve served this to have been pleasantly surprised at the savory herb’s addition to a blueberry cake.

  • Question of

    Which of the pictured herbs is in the recipe linked at the end of this post?

    • Chocolate Mint
    • Eucalyptus
    • Thyme
    • Basil
  • Question of

    Can herbs deter pests?

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    Do flowers and herbs grow well together in containers?

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    Should eucalyptus should be eaten in recipes?

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    Is thyme one of the stronger flavored herbs?

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    Is lemon balm a beneficial herb in the garden?

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    Which of the following is the reason for growing herbs in pots?

    • Certainty of what is in the soil the herbs grow in.
    • They can be placed around sitting areas and doorways.
    • Both of the above.
  • Question of

    Do herbs have medicinal uses?

    • Yes
    • No

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11 Points

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chocolate mintcontainer gardeningeucalyptusherbs in containersherbs in potspurple basilred wave petuniasthymezinnias

Written by robertatalloni

20 Comments

  1. I got 7 out of 8 because for the one about the strength of thyme I knew what answer you wanted, but did not agree. I think it goes back to the genetics of taste where some of us perceive an herb as powerful and others find it mild. I love thyme! I love lemon balm, too, and grow it indoors in an AeroGarden computerized planter. The only plant I grow in dirt is my grapevine. Oh, and recently a “volunteer” oleander that come up from seed.

    • You are probably right about the perception of some being different than others’, as with hot peppers. However, thyme can have unexpected side effects that do not come with milder herbs, partly because it is considered a strong herb. We love its flavor and many other uses, so we are careful to be moderate.

      1

      • Right, I looked that up after commenting and understand that potency can mean different things. I love your garden except for the Eucalyptus which is about the only plant I am allergic to.