Lightening bugs, cookouts, vacation time away and mowing the lawn, all signs of summer
in full swing. And the season’s favorite beverage can spill over into the landscape with
a tangy appeal.
Now, lemons won’t grow in many zones, but if you want to enjoy lemonade with a twist,
squeeze out a lemonade garden of lemon scented plants, many being edible, for a cool and
refreshing way to celebrate the summer months.
Choose a spot close to a deck or porch area for the full benefits that this garden will produce. Plants that smell and taste like lemons are amazing to the senses, and can add flavor to many dishes.
Lemon Balm ( Melissa Officinalis ) when touched will fill the air with a fresh picked lemon scent. This hardy perennial can be used fresh as garnish, adds a delicate flavor to vinegars, oils, and many desserts. It also makes a soothing bath additive, and when sipped as a tea, can ease headaches, indigestion and nausea, plus provides a restful sleep.
Lemon Basil ( Ocimum Basilicum ) is an annual treat for many, the lemon flavored leaves are delicious in sauces and chicken dishes and lend a zip to pesto. The white flowers are a favorite of the humble bee.
Lemon Grass ( Cymbopogon Citratus ) is commonly used in Thai cuisine with a sharp lemon flavor. A tea treats diarrhea, stomachache, headaches, fever and the flu. The essential oil is used widely in cosmetics and in aromthrapy to improve circulation.
Lemon Mint ( Menthax Aquatica Citrata ) is invasive like most mints, blends well with chicken or fish and can used in fruit salads. Makes a tasty garnish for drinks or dried for tea blends.
Lemon thyme ( Thymus X Citriodorus ) is a stout lemon scented shrub with pale lilac flowers. The antiseptic leaves are a natural preservative.
Lemon verbena ( Aloysiatriphylia ) has a robust fragrance that makes a refreshing and slightly sedating tea. It soothes bronchial and nasal congestion and aids indigestion and nausea. An infusion of the leaves comforts puffy eyes and when added to vinegar, softens the skin. The leaf scent will be retained for years when dried, making it a popular potpourri ingredient. Lemon verbena can reach heights up to 10 feet but can be tamed as a shrub.
So sit back and smell the wonders of a lemonade garden and while doing so, enjoy a quick summer pie to complement your new garden and don’t be shy, be sure to garnish with some zesty lemon herbs.
Lemonade Pie
1 sm. can frozen lemonade ( pink or yellow )
1 graham cracker pie shell
1 tub cool whip
1 can sweeten condensed milk
Blend all ingredients together well and pour into pie crust.
Refrigerate till firm or freeze ahead. Enjoy!
About the author:
Sue is a garden writer, passionate gardener, wife, mother
and friend to Mother Earth.
