I’ve had requests to share my ideas for container gardens for Moms on Mother’s Day. Yes, some of this information has been shared before with you, but worth sharing again with a few newbies.

If a relaxing, fragrant bath would please mom, a spa garden including calming lavender and lemon verbena is just the ticket. 

Is mom an herbal tea aficionado? She’ll appreciate a planter filled with tea herbs. Peppermint is a given in an herbal tea collection, but you can add a touch of the exotic with ginger root planted alongside.  

Maybe mom leans more toward the culinary herbs. I’ve got my latest faves for you to choose from including a coriander that takes to hot summers!

We grew up with basil/hobbit, peppermint/nana, marjoram and thyme. Mom grew them in a huge, ancient black iron kettle outside our kitchen door. Today that same kettle sits, front and center, in a place of honor in my herb garden, filled with several varieties of basil.

And as we get further into the season, I’ll share how to dry herbs, including how to make your own blend of edible flower sprinkles.

That way you get a full year’s blessing!

Easy to grow

Most grow well in good potting soil with excellent drainage. 

Take into account space, sun and water needs.

For growing specifics log onto abouteating.com. 

Here’s some ideas:

Tea Garden

Hydrating and healing. A tablespoon of fresh or a teaspoon of dried, steeped in 8 oz boiling water for several minutes, then strained, will produce a cup of love. 

Mint. Peppermint is good for digestion.  

Ginger. Buy the root in the produce section of the grocery.

German Chamomile, and Lavender: Trouble sleeping? Both make lovely, calming teas. 

Anise Hyssop. Licorice flavored, warms and soothes. 

Holy basil. Hints of mint and clove for upper respiratory health. 

Lemon balm. Clean, lemon aroma with hint of mint. 

Stevia. Sugar substitute. 

Spa/Bath Garden

Place herbs in cheesecloth pouch, tied. Let hot water stream over herbs as the tub is filling. 

Eucalyptus. Opens up sinuses. Combine it with thyme and sage for a powerful healing trio.

Lemon verbena. Sweet citrus scent. 

Lavender. A popular aromatherapy plant with calming qualities.

Mini roses. Fragrant and lovely. 

German Chamomile. Relaxing. 

Kitchen Herbs Garden 

The flowers of culinary herbs are edible. 

Basils. Common sweet basil is a winner. For smaller containers, Globe or Minet grow in a 12” rounded shape. Try Thai for Asian dishes.

Parsley. Italian or curly — you choose. 

Chives. Onion and garlic chives are cut & come again herbs.

Rosemary. The piney flavor is excellent in soups, stews and root vegetables. 

Oregano. Greek is chef’s choice. Italian oregano has a more mild flavor.  

Sage. Variegated sages stay fairly small. Bergarten sage is a slower bolting sage with large leaves.

Mint. Peppermint is strong flavored. Spearmint is sweeter. Mints are invasive. Stems can root if they reach soil. Lots of varieties.

Vietnamese coriander. Strong cilantro flavor and keeps growing even in the heat of summer.

Stevia. Sugar substitute. Non caloric, diabetic safe.

Thyme. Earthy and peppery. Cooks love the aromatic and tender leaved lemon thyme.  

Tip: Tuck in Edible Flowers!

Edible flowers can be tucked in between. Some of my favorites include nasturtiums (peppery flavor), pansies, violas, mini roses, calendula, lemon gem marigold, cornflowers, chamomile, snapdragons.