The Joy of Homegrown Tea

At the edge of the garden, the herbs have gone wild. Mint, sage, lemon balm, and oregano tumble from their beds, more than we could possibly use fresh. Which is why I finally set aside an afternoon to dry them.

It’s a small and ancient ritual, gathering handfuls, tying them into bundles, and hanging them in the pantry where they’ll slowly crisp in the dark. There’s something lovely in that slow transformation—knowing that, come winter, I’ll still be able to taste a bit of this garden.

Basic Drying Method:

Pick herbs on a dry day, mid-morning

Bundle small bunches with twine

Hang upside down in a dark, dry place with good airflow

Once dry, store in airtight jars away from light

A handful of dried mint makes for a refreshing afternoon cup. Lemon balm calms a busy mind. Sage and oregano lend their depth to winter broths. None of it is complicated, and yet it feels like such a gift.

Preserving herbs is a quiet joy—one of those slow rituals that makes a home feel lived-in, a garden feel generous, and life feel just a little more grounded.