Gifts from the Garden: Sharing the Summer Abundance

There’s a unique joy in sharing the fruits of your labor, especially when they come from your own garden. As summer unfolds, our gardens offer an abundance not just for our tables, but also for meaningful gifts. Here are some delightful ideas to inspire your garden gifting:

Herb Jars: Fresh Aromas in a Jar

Gather sprigs of basil, rosemary, thyme, or mint from your garden. Arrange them in clean mason jars filled with water to keep them fresh. Tie a ribbon around the jar and add a handwritten tag with suggested uses, like “Perfect for pasta dishes” or “Great for refreshing teas.”  

For more great gifts, check out THIS episode of the Growing Gardeners podcast!

Tomato Suckers: A Gift That Grows

When pruning your tomato plants, save the healthy suckers (the small shoots that grow between the stem and a branch). Place them in water until they develop roots, then pot them up. Gift these young plants to friends and family, offering them a taste of homegrown goodness.

Lemon Balm Jelly: A Sweet Summer Treat

Lemon balm, with its citrusy aroma, makes a delightful jelly that’s perfect on toast or as a glaze for meats. To make lemon balm jelly:

• Harvest about 3 to 4 cups of fresh lemon balm leaves.
  
  
• Steep them in 4 cups of boiling water for 10-20 minutes to make a strong tea.
  
  
• Strain the leaves and combine the tea with 1 box (1.75 oz) of pectin, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and sugar to taste (typically 1 to 4 cups).
  
  
• Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, pour into sterilized jars, and process in a water bath canner if desired.
  
  

This jelly not only tastes wonderful but also showcases the versatility of garden herbs.

Floral Bouquets: Nature’s Artistry

Combine blooms like zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos with greenery from your garden to create vibrant bouquets. Wrap them in brown paper and tie with twine! These bouquets bring a splash of color and joy to any occasion.

Herb-Infused Salts: Elevate Everyday Cooking

Dry herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano from your garden. Crush them and mix with coarse sea salt to create flavorful herb-infused salts. Package them in small jars with labels like “Rosemary Sea Salt – Perfect for Roasted Potatoes.”

Herbal Bath Teas: Relaxation from the Garden

Combine dried lavender, chamomile, and mint in muslin bags to create soothing herbal bath teas. These make thoughtful gifts that offer a relaxing experience, bringing the calming essence of the garden indoors.

Summer Simmer Pot: A Fragrant Gift from the Garden

There’s something magical about the aroma of fresh herbs and citrus wafting through the home on a warm summer day. A summer simmer pot captures this essence beautifully, making it a thoughtful and aromatic gift straight from your garden.

To create one, gather ingredients like sliced lemon, fresh mint leaves, and a few slices of ginger root. Place them in a pot filled two-thirds with water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. For an added touch of sweetness, stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract.  This combination releases a refreshing and invigorating scent that embodies the spirit of summer.  

Did you know that each issue of In Season has a seasonal simmer pot recipe inside for you!  Get your spring copy here!!

For gifting, assemble the fresh ingredients in a mason jar, maybe adding a sprig of lavender or rosemary for an extra layer of fragrance. Attach a note with simple instructions: “Pour contents into a pot, add water, and simmer to fill your home with the scents of summer.” It’s a fun and personal way to share the abundance of your garden and the joy of the season.

Embrace the season of giving by sharing these garden-inspired gifts. They not only reflect the bounty of your garden but also the care and thoughtfulness you put into each one! Enjoy!