One of the most delightful aspects of growing herbs is the many ways in
which you can display them and appreciate their fragrance indoors.
Whether fresh or dried, herbs can be made into striking arrangements,
colorful posies or decorative wreaths and garlands to adorn your home
or to present as gifts.
Fresh cut herbs brought straight in form the garden look best in
natural, informal arrangements. A mass of summer herbal blooms and
leaves in a simple vase can make a truly magnificent display. For added
impact, position sweetly scented varieties near a window or in a place
where they may be brushed against so their fragrance will waft through
rooms.
Simple bunches of herbs hanging to dry look attractive, though they
need to be in a warm, dry and dark place if you are drying to preserve
them. Once they are dried, hang bunches on walls, from beams or
shelves, around a window, or on the back of a door. For extra
decorative effect, suspend them from ladders, on rake heads or from a
mesh screen under a high ceiling - anywhere where they will look eye
catching and their scent can be appreciated. Tie small bunches of
southernwood, lavender and other moth repellent herbs with
ribbon bows and hang them in your wardrobe.
Display groups of dried flowers in baskets, earthenware pots, wooden
trugs and other suitably natural and complementary containers. Herbs
that you grow indoors can also be used for decorative effect. Evergreen
shrubs like rosemary, bay and myrtle may be clipped as miniature
topiary pieces, and at Christmas or on special occasions, you can add
color to their branches with ribbon bows and small trinkets.
Wreaths and hangings
One of the most traditional and attractive ways of displaying herbs is
in a wreath. Hanging from a wall or door, a wreath adds color and
fragrance to any interior. It is also potentially long-lasting and
lends itself to an infinite variety of styles.
For the base, which you can make yourself or buy from a florist, use
plain or moss-covered wire, plaited raffia or twisted vine. On top of
this, wire on bunches of selected herbs. Pick from bay, thyme, sage,
lavender, rosemary, savory and artemisias for scent and shape. Fresh
material is easier to handle than dry, and you can always make up a
wreath and then leave it to dry in a dark, well-ventilated place for
later use. For interest, add colorful drying flowers such as yarrow,
santolina, roses, bergamot or larkspur; or make a theme-wreath such as
using kitchen herbs - sage, marjoram, parsley, mint and rosemary,
adding bunches of spices for extra effect.
Expand your repertoire by making seasonal wreaths for spring, summer,
autumn or winter, and festive wreaths for weddings, anniversaries and
Christmas. The possibilities are endless and always rewarding!
Table Decorations
Fresh herbal arrangements are the perfect way to decorate a dinner
table. Their fragrance awakens the senses, while their flowers and
leaves provide color and interest as well as instant garnishing
material. For a simple supper party, a spray of parsley, mint, marjoram
or thyme by each place setting looks attractive and can be nibbled to
freshen the palate between courses, to sharpen the appetite or aid
digestion.
