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Four unique plants to add to your garden

By Bunnings magazine /

Close up of purple tubular flowers on dark stems with green leaves.

Fresh herbs fill your garden with aroma herbs at home

Take your hosting to the next level with these four fragrant cooking herbs that taste of summer. Easy to grow in garden beds or pots, enjoy these Mediterranean and Asian cooking herbs over the entertaining season by adding them to drinks, desserts, salads and cheese platters, and using them on the barbie. Here are four of the most popular

  • Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) 
  • Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) 
  • Vietnamese mint (Persicaria odorata) 
  • Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) 

Fresh rosemary plant with dense green needle-like leaves

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Once established, this robust Mediterranean herb tolerates heat and dry conditions. Plant in full sun in well-draining soil, pick regularly to keep it bushy and compact and, if needed, prune only the leafy growth.

Easy hosting idea: Warm some honey with a fresh sprig and drizzle over grilled peaches or baked cheese.

Lemongrass plant with tall, grassy green leaves. 

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

The fragrant tufted grass thrives in full sun in warm climates but grows in cooler areas with frost protection. Plant in rich, well-draining soil or a large pot and divide clumps in summer. To use, cut thickest outer stems at ground level and remove foliage and tough outer layers.

Easy hosting idea: Wrap seasoned chicken or prawn mince around stalks, then barbecue.

Dense green herb foliage with narrow leaves and water droplets. 

Vietnamese mint (Persicaria odorata)

Contain this spreading perennial herb in a large pot positioned in morning sun or part shade, protected from afternoon heat. Water often to keep the potting mix moist. Cut back to the woody stems when harvesting.

Easy hosting idea: Add fresh sprigs to a rice paper roll platter for a vibrant flavour burst.

Fresh basil plant with glossy green leaves 

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil leaves are a must in salads, pasta and blitzed into fresh sauces. Grow in well-draining soil in full sun, with afternoon shade in hot climates, and water regularly during warm weather. Remove flower buds to keep the leaves tender and flavoursome.

Easy hosting idea: Freeze small leaves and sliced strawberries in ice cubes to add to cold drinks.

Keep in mind…

Take care when selecting your plants as some can be poisonous to children and pets and check their suitability for your region as some may be classified as weeds in certain states and territories.

Looking for more edible gardening ideas?

Check out our article on how to plant and propagate chillies.

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