Herb Associates

This week, we're diving into two powerhouse herbs from the Americas — one that's spicy enough to tickle your nose and another with a heavenly scent that lures in nighttime pollinators. From nasturtium salad garnishes to sacred tobacco traditions and catnip mice for your feline friends, the Herb Associates are blooming with surprises!

About 30 members of the Herb Society of America gathered here for a tour and interactive demonstration led by the long-standing Herb Associates, showcasing their gardens, products and culinary uses of herbs. The event highlighted the group's history, volunteer efforts and creative herb-based offerings like jellies, shrubs and finishing salts, fostering community and education around herbal traditions.

This week’s herb, stevia, may look humble in the garden, but it’s packed with centuries of sweet history, global intrigue and modern-day health benefits — not to mention it’s up to 300 times sweeter than sugar! Meanwhile, the BBG Kitchen is buzzing with lemony delights, herb-infused sugars and garden-fresh creations ready to wow your taste buds and stock your pantry.

Not all members of the mint family are called mint. Let's look at the origins and usage of Monarda fistulosa, also known as bee balm, and Mentha “Hillary’s Sweet Lemon,” a popular addition to lemonade, mojitos or other cocktails.

Plantain (the herb, not the fruit) and Mexican Oregano are this week's Herb Garden stars. Plus, the Herb Associates have created Lavender Sugar, Strawberry-Opal Shrub, Raspberry-Herb Vinaigrette, and Foard's Garlic Scape Jam —all available for purchase in the BBG Gift Shop!

What smells like bedbugs to some and makes guacamole sing to others? Meet cilantro and coriander — the same plant with a double identity, a tangled history and a scent that’s stirred everything from ancient remedies to Chanel No. 5.

Clary Sage, Betony and poppy take center stage this week. Plus, the Herb Associates have stocked the Gift Shop with jellies, syrups, dressings, and finishing salts for your summer entertaining needs!

At the BBG’s Herb Display Garden, English lavender is dazzling noses and eyes alike, while nearby yarrow holds its own as a healing hero straight out of ancient lore. Meanwhile, in the herb kitchen, the crew is whipping up everything from chive blossom vinegar to garlic scape jam—proving once again that herbs aren’t just pretty, they’re powerful (and delicious).

Lady's Mantle and Valerian take center stage this week as the Herb Associates celebrate the Solstice.

This week Rue and the Gas Plant take the spotlight — both historic healers with a flair for drama (and a risk of skin irritation), from witch-repelling remedies and butterfly buffets to flammable flowers. 

It was "all hands on deck" this week with cleanup and planting in the Herb Display Garden. Mints, chamomile and thyme herbs are abundant, and two new selections have been added: curry and stevia.

Orris root and cranesbill, and making use of rhubarb and lemon balm!

Comfrey and dandelions!

The season begins for the Herb Associates! This week, let's talk tradition, chives and fleabane!

Efforts this week turned to readying the garden beds for the coming of frosts and winter. Liz Leonard, coordinator for the Herb Display Garden, favors a combination of “cutting back, potting up and leaving be.”