7 Flowering Herbs Perfect To Use In Flower Arranging
We’re all familiar with lavender and chamomile as herbs that are edible and can also be popped into a vase to brighten our environment. But there are many more herbs that can be used both ways. This summer why not experiment with the following summer herbs in the kitchen and in flower arranging.
Basil: Best wishes
Edible:
Basil flowers have a milder flavour than their leaves. They make a wonderful garnish sprinkled over salads, cheese plates, or pasta.
Flower arranging:
Basil leaves are glossy and fragrant. Their flowering stems add texture and interest to a mixed bouquet.
Oregano: Joy
Edible:
Oregano flowers have a more delicate flavour than their leaves. Sprinkle over a salad or pizza, or use them to infuse oils.
Flower arranging:
Oregano grows small pink, white, or light purple flowers at the top of their stems. They make a very pretty accompaniment to a bunch of lavender.
Rosemary: Remembrance
Edible:
Rosemary flowers have almost the same flavour as their spiky little needles. The blossoms don’t stand up well to heat so use them as a finishing garnish on lamb or pork dishes.
Flower arranging:
Rosemary’s strong stems, and woodsy, nature-y look, make them an excellent addition to bouquets and centrepieces. They are long lasting.
Dill: Good cheer/Good luck
Edible:
Dill flowers are slightly stronger in taste than their leaves. They make a tasty and pretty addition to jars of pickles or sprinkled over salads or bread.
Flower arranging:
The dill flower’s yellow colour adds a bit of sunshine to a summer bouquet.
Chives: Usefulness
Edible:
Chive blossoms can be used as a pretty garnish for cold dishes or added to soups, stews, and sauces. Their light onion flavour is also a wonderful addition to vinegar.
Flower arranging:
The purple, puffy flower at the tip of chive stems adds a pretty pop of colour to any flower bouquet or arrangement.
Fennel: Force/Strength/Worthy of praise
Edible:
Fennel comes as a vegetable or a herb. Both have a licorice flavour and are used in cooking or for medicinal reasons.
Flower arranging:
The bright yellow florets and wispy foliage of the fennel herb bring colour, texture, and fragrance to bouquets and arrangements giving them a fresh, unique look.
Borage: Courage
Edible:
Borage makes a very pretty garnish for summer drinks and salads. It’s flavour and scent is reminiscent of cucumbers.
Flower arranging:
The pretty blue, star-shaped flowers of borage make them a unique addition to a bouquet. Their tangled stems are great for holding other flower stems in place.
While herbs add a natural, seasonal element to a mixed bouquet, why not get creative and make some ‘all herb’ theme bouquets. You could create ‘herbs for pasta’, ‘herbs for bread making’, or ‘herbal tea’ bouquets. What a perfect summertime gift they would make!
