We all know and love parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. And then there’s sweet basil, which is perhaps the queen of all the herbs. But what about those herbs that are just as tasty—or attractive—but don’t get the same accolades? For those unsung heroes of the herb garden, we put together this episode. You’ll hear about a deliciously spicy lemon basil, an elegant edible flower with brilliant orange blooms, and a marigold that resembles a mint. There are herbs grown for ornamental or edible purposes as well as some that can be put firmly in both categories. Looking to spice up your garden with something a bit out of the ordinary? Then give this latest episode a listen.

Expert testimony: Sue Goetz, author of A Taste for Herbs and Complete Container Herb Gardening, is a garden designer and garden coach based in Washington state.

This episode’s sponsor is Jung Seed

Jung Seed Company has the largest selection of herbs, vegetables, and flowers online. They have been a family-owned and operated company since 1907. Use code FINE22 to receive 15% off your order at jungseed.com (valid through December 31, 2022).

Danielle’s Plants

Platinum Blonde™ English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Momparler, Zones 6–9)

Salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor, Zones 4–8)

‘Sweet Dani’ lemon basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Sweet Dani’, annual)

Lovage (Levisticum officinale, Zones 4–8)

Carol’s Plants

Egyptian walking onion (Allium cepa var. proliferum, Zones 3–9)

‘Kentucky Colonel’ spearmint (Mentha spicata ‘Kentucky Colonel’, Zones 5–9)

Mexican mint marigold (Tagetes lucida, Zones 8–11)

Lemon-scented geranium (Pelargonium crispum, Zones 10–11)

Expert’s Plants

‘Lemon Fizz’ santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus ‘Lemon Fizz’, Zones 5–9)

Winter savory (Satureja hortensis, Zones 5–11)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis, Zones 9–11)

Shiso (Perilla frutescens, annual)