There are easy gifts you can make from the herbs in your own garden. If you are not yet growing your own herbs, complete two potted herb gardens, one for a gift and one for yourself. There is nothing like the flavor of fresh herbs in your home made culinary delights. When drying bundles of herbs, be sure to dry extras for your own winter use.
Potted Herb Garden
Clay pots allow herb roots to breath. However, this also means that you will need to check for soil dryness more often. Choose the size terra cotta container (or other container) you desire. Make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom and a matching saucer, to collect water. Pick up a few different small herb plants from your local nursery or garden center. Some good starter herb choices you might choose are basil, oregano, thyme, parsley and fennel. Fill your clay pot with soil, leaving room for the herbs. Remove the herbs from their containers and place them in the clay pot, with enough room for growth. Pour in additional potting soil, if needed. Pat down the soil, with your fingers, to compact it. For a smaller gift, pot individual herbs in 6-inch pots.
Oregano, dill, bay, marjoram, thyme and rosemary are all good herbs to air dry, as they have low moisture content. They will dry quickly and retain the herb oils. Cut healthy branches from your herb plants. Clip off the lower leaves (about 1 inch from the bottom). Tie 5 branches with a piece of raffia or string at the bottom of the branches. Place the bundle in a paper bag. Bunch up the top of the bag and tie it, catching the herb bundle branches. Hang the bag upside-down in an airy location. The herbs will take 2 to 4 weeks to dry. Remove them from the paper bag. Tie a colorful ribbon around the herb bundle and place it in a zip-lock plastic bag. Print a favorite recipe, using the particular herb, onto a piece of card stock. Cut the cardstock down to size and include it inside the plastic bag. Add more than one type of herb bundle for an herb blend. This is a great favor or token gift for weddings or office holidays.
Herb Wreath
Dry herb bundles, as explained in the dried herb segment, above. You may also dry some bundles of garden flowers at the same time, for added color to your wreath. Use a wire wreath frame from your local craft store or garden center. Place your first bundle of herbs or flowers along the wreath wire. Wrap florist wire around the lower stems. Place a second bundle layered over the first one, just so it covers the stems. Wrap wire around the stems of the second bundle. Continue in this manner all the way around the wreath, tucking the last bunch of stems under the first bunch of leaves. Repeat this process along the other wires on the frame. You will end with a full, decorative herb wreath. Place the wreath in a clear plastic bag, tying the top with a colorful ribbon.
