Gatherer Forager Blog

There’s something magical about stepping into the garden, brushing past fragrant herbs, and gathering a handful to brew into a tea that’s entirely your own. As summer warms the soil, it’s the perfect time to grow and blend herbs that refresh, nourish, and soothe.

🌱 Growing Your Own Tea Herbs

Many of the best tea herbs thrive in the same sunny corners of your garden as your veggies. Choose a few favourites and you’ll be sipping homegrown tea in no time.

Easy herbs to grow for tea:

• Lemon balm: Calming and lightly citrusy, lovely on its own or blended with mint.

• Peppermint or spearmint: A summer staple. Try growing both for subtle differences in flavour.

• Chamomile: Gentle, floral and calming—ideal for evening blends.

• Butterfly pea flower: A striking climbing vine with vivid blue blooms that make the most beautiful iced tea.

• Hibiscus: Tart, ruby-red and rich in vitamin C. A must for tangy summer blends.

• Calendula, lavender, rosemary: Each adds a touch of colour and complexity to your tea garden.

🌼 Blending for Flavour and Wellness

Once you’ve dried your herbs (hang in bunches out of direct sunlight until crisp), you can start experimenting with blends.

Think in layers:

• Base herbs (the main flavour): mint, lemon balm, green tea, or rooibos.

• Body or colour herbs: hibiscus, butterfly pea flower, or rose petals.

• Accents: chamomile, ginger, lemon verbena, or citrus peel.

Start simple. Try equal parts hibiscus + mint for a cooling iced tea, or lemon balm + butterfly pea flower + a squeeze of lemon for a colour-changing delight.

🍹 DIY Summer Iced Tea Recipe

Sunshine Serenity Summer Tea

This blend is designed to be uplifting, soothing, and wonderfully aromatic, perfect for sipping on a warm day.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh Lemon Balm leaves, gently bruised or roughly chopped (the base)

• 1/4 cup fresh Peppermint leaves, roughly chopped (adds a cooling, invigorating note)

• 2 tablespoons dried Rose Petals (culinary grade - for a delicate floral aroma and touch of sweetness)

• 1 tablespoon dried Chamomile flowers (for a subtle apple-like sweetness and calming effect)

• 1 teaspoon dried Lavender buds (culinary grade - use sparingly for a gentle, calming fragrance; too much can be overpowering)

• Optional additions for serving:

  • Thin lemon slices

  • Fresh mint sprigs

  • A drizzle of honey or agave nectar to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare your herbs: If using fresh lemon balm and peppermint, gently bruise or chop them to release their oils. If using dried, ensure they are fresh and fragrant.

2. Combine: In a heatproof bowl or jar, combine the lemon balm, peppermint, rose petals, chamomile flowers, and lavender buds.

3. Steep: For a single serving, take about 1-2 tablespoons of the blend. Place it in a tea infuser, French press, or directly into a mug.

4. Hot Brew: Pour 8-10 ounces of hot (not boiling) water over the herbs. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired strength.

5. Cold Brew (Recommended for Summer!): Place your desired amount of the herb blend into a pitcher or jar. Add cold filtered water (about 1 tablespoon of blend per cup of water). Cover and refrigerate for 4-8 hours, or even overnight, for a smoother, less bitter taste.

6. Strain: Strain the tea into a glass, removing all the herbal material.

7. Serve: Serve chilled over ice. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs. Sweeten with honey or agave if desired.

Why these ingredients work together:

• Lemon Balm: The star! Known for its bright, citrusy, and slightly minty flavor, it's wonderfully uplifting and calming.

• Peppermint: Provides a refreshing counterpoint to the lemon balm, adding a cool, invigorating sensation.

• Rose Petals: Contribute a beautiful floral aroma and a hint of sweetness, making the tea feel luxurious.

• Chamomile: A classic calming herb, it offers a soft, apple-like sweetness that complements the other flavors.

• Lavender: Used sparingly, it adds a sophisticated, calming, and distinctly aromatic note without overwhelming the blend.

It's perfect for a relaxing afternoon or a refreshing evening drink.

🌸 Herbal Tea Favourites to Try

If your garden isn’t ready yet, our handcrafted teas make a beautiful start:

• Blue Butterfly Pea Tea – visually stunning and refreshing.

• Hibiscus Berry Tea – perfect chilled with a slice of orange.

• Liver Cleanse Tea – a gentle tonic for warmer weather.

Summer is a season for sipping slowly, savouring colour, and taking a moment to reconnect—with the earth, your herbs, and yourself.

Explore our Teas + Herbs →