Now that your garden is planted, you may notice that you have some extra room in your beds or unused pots. These are great spaces to plant herbs and annual flowers. Herbs are a great addition to any garden. Basil, rosemary, mint, dill, and oregano are a few that I enjoy growing every year.
Most herbs are considered perennials, meaning they will return in the spring. I prefer to grow herbs in flowerpots or use a designated raised bed if one is still empty. Some herbs can be very invasive and take over a garden in a short amount of time. Some examples include mint, oregano, thyme, and sage.
If you would like to incorporate invasive herbs into your garden space, first place them in a pot and then bury the pot halfway into the ground. This will keep the root system contained.
Herbs such as basil and dill are two that normally die off after the first frost. I place my basil and dill directly alongside my vegetable plants to help deter unwanted insects.
Annual flowers, meaning they will die and not return in the spring, can also be added to your garden. Flowers can also deter unwanted insects from your vegetables by drawing insects to the flower instead of your vegetables. Examples include petunias, marigolds, and dahlias. Fragrant flowers, such as Four o’clock, Moonflowers, and Heliotropes, not only smell great, but they also look pretty alongside your vegetable plants.
One last addition that I include every year is a water feature. Just a small, fountain-like piece can provide many benefits. I enjoy watching the different wildlife visit the water for a drink. I see a lot of birds, butterflies, and frogs. My garden is surrounded by a fence, but occasionally I see a squirrel or chipmunk.
I clean the outside of the feature a few times throughout the season, especially when the temperature is consistently high, but otherwise, it does not require much attention other than adding water. The sound of trickling water is soothing and adds to the peaceful feeling I get when I am gardening. There are lots of simple DIY water features you can create. Most can be crafted from supplies you may already have; you only need to purchase a pump. Depending on the size, they start as low as $20.
It is not too late to visit your local greenhouse to purchase flowers and herbs. Greenhouses are still fully stocked, so please visit and support your local farmers and businesses. Happy gardening.
