Herbal teas have all the ritual goodness of a regular cuppa without the caffeine. So, if you enjoy the soothing comfort, why not grow your own? Experimenting with different herbs is a fun way to discover unique flavours while deepening your connection to the plants you grow. Even in a small garden, many culinary herbs and flowers double as gentle herbal remedies so you’ll be making the most of your space and budget.
CSL asked our friends at Renee’s Garden for advice on what to grow.
What To Grow: Tea Garden Plant List
Root Beer Hyssop
Pollinator Herbs
The flowers are a magnet for butterflies and bees. As a tea, helps to settle the stomach and ease a sore throat.
Zinger Hibiscus
Herbal Tea
Makes a ruby-coloured tea with a floral, berry aroma and cranberry-like flavour. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Indian Springs
Heirloom Hollyhocks
Provides a stunning vertical garden screen for pollinators. As a tea, use the petals to soothe a scratchy throat.
Tulsi Holy Basil
Medicinal Herbs
Ayurvedic herb used to manage stress and promote wellness. The leaves brew into a calming tea for body and mind.
French Perfume
Container Lavender
Compact plants with fragrant deep purple velvety flowers. As a tea, invites relaxation and melts away stress.
Bodegold Chamomile
Flowering Herbs
Dainty white flowers that brew into a pineapple-scented tea. Classic remedy to settle the stomach and nervous system.
Blue Borage
Kitchen Herbs
Star-shaped flowers that brew into a mild, cucumber-flavoured tea. Used to uplift the spirit and calm the nerves.
Bronze Fennel
Butterfly Herbs
A major nectar host for butterflies, its leaves and seeds brew into a calming tea that soothes upset stomachs.
Flashback Calendula
Butterfly Flowers
Blooms attract butterflies and brighten the garden. As a tea, the edible petals provide powerful antioxidants.
How To Make An Herbal Tea
THE BREW Brewing your own herbal tea is simple and rewarding. For the best flavour, follow these steps.
THE RATIO Use 2-3 tablespoons of coarsely chopped fresh leaves for every 6-ounce cup. If you are using herbs you have dried and stored, a single teaspoon is usually plenty.
THE STEEP Place the leaves into a warmed teapot and cover with freshly boiled water. Let the tea steep for several minutes to fully release the aromatic essential flavours. Strain and serve.
This original article first appeared in the SUMMER 2026 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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