When people think about gardens, the first senses they usually mention are sight—lush green leaves, colourful blooms—and taste—the satisfying flavour of fresh vegetables on the plate. But over the past few weeks, it’s been my sense of smell that’s taken centre stage in the garden.
We’re still waiting on the vegetables to catch up after a slow spring, but the aromatic herbs are already bursting with energy. I planted a row of lavender last year, and those plants have developed into solid little lavender “bushes.” In 2022, I planted four damask roses, and they’ve grown considerably—producing a generous number of blooms this spring. I transplanted a few German chamomile plants, and I’m thankful they survived the move and are now blooming so generously it’s hard to keep up. The lemon balm, planted a number of years ago, continues to thrive, and I’ve already taken several cuttings this season.
Between the lavender, rose, lemon balm, and German chamomile, we’re offered not only their beauty, but also an incredible fragrance, a sense of calm, and a chance to “play” in the garden while the tomatoes and beans take their sweet time.
I’ve started calling it my aromatic garden, because walking through it feels like stepping into a natural apothecary. Every plant has something to offer—not just for the moment, but for the months ahead, too.
What I’ve Been Harvesting
Here are the herbs I’ve been gathering so far:
- Rose (Rosa x damascena) – Gathered daily in the early morning, when the petals are most fragrant
- German Chamomile – Snipped just as the flowers open, when their gentle apple scent is strongest
- Lavender – Harvested when the buds are plump but before they fully open
- Lemon Balm – Trimmed before flowering, in the cool of the morning to preserve its oils and aroma
What I’m Doing With Them
This early herb harvest has given me space to experiment. I’ve been preserving some for winter use and enjoying a few fresh creations in the moment.
1. Drying for Later
Most of these herbs are going onto screens in the dehydrator or bundled to dry in a dark, airy room. I’ve been dehydrating the chamomile, lavender, and rose petals, while air-drying the lemon balm to help its delicate leaves preserve their vibrant colour. Dried herbs are perfect for:
- Bath soaks
- Herbal teas
- Infused oils
- Wintertime skin care
2. Experimenting With Fresh Herbs
- Rose Hydrosol – Distilled at home and used as a refreshing facial mist or base for skin care
- Rose Jelly – Delicate, floral, and a perfect way to preserve the season
- Lavender Lemonade – Simple and soothing—a family favourite
- Alcohol Tinctures – I’ve started one with rose petals for skin and mood support
- Oil Infusions – I’ve begun a rose oil and plan to infuse chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender next. These will steep in oil for several weeks before being strained and used in skin care or bath products.
Why It Matters
I love using these herbs in the colder months—in teas, baths, body oils, and balms. But now is the time to connect with them: to harvest, preserve, and prepare. It’s like I’m bottling up summer to carry with me through the winter.
More than anything, this season has reminded me how much the garden teaches me to slow down and notice. This early stretch has been less about productivity and more about presence. I’ve been working with my sense of smell, of memory, of rhythm.
Final Thoughts
While the veggies are still on their way, I’m thankful for this slower start. In the past, I’ve sometimes felt too overwhelmed by the demands of the vegetable garden—missing the ideal harvest times for these aromatic herbs. But the cooler, gentler spring gave me space to gather and reconnect with these fragrant plants I love so much.
In the coming weeks, I’ll share a few of my favourite ways to use these herbs—from simple infusions to homemade skin care. And if you’re dreaming of your own aromatic garden, don’t worry—I’ll also share ideas for which herbs grow well in small spaces or containers.
The aromatic garden might not feed us in the traditional sense, but it nourishes just the same.
