Most people tend to think of their garden in terms of simple aesthetics. But your garden can bring more value to your life than just increasing your home’s curb appeal. Many plants have therapeutic properties, as well as being pleasing to the eye. This list will show which plants and flowers you put in the garden that will serve a dual purpose.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a hardy plant belonging to the succulent family. This plant’s juices contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that promote healthy digestion and restful sleep. The gel produced by the aloe vera plant can be used to treat skin irritations such as burns and insect bites.
Lavender
Lavender is a very low maintenance plant; once established, it is quite hardy and requires very little care. Lavender is also highly aromatic and will attract pollinators to your garden, while also repelling pests such as mosquitoes, flies and fleas.
Lavender can also be harvested and used to make lavender oil at home! Lavender oil has been known to reduce stress and anxiety, ease headaches, and promote better sleep.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a bright and beautiful flower that will add bold color to your garden. This flower is especially valued for its medicinal purposes. Tea made from the leaves and flowers of this plant has powerful immunity boosting qualities. Echinacea has been used for centuries to ward off minor ailments such as colds and flu. Additionally this plant is perennial, which means it will not require replanting each year!
Sunflowers
Sunflowers grow well in almost any soil type, and are tolerant of dry conditions and heat. These flowers will attract a variety of birds and pollinators to your garden. Sunflowers will also produce lots of tasty sunflower seeds! Sunflower seeds, in addition to being delicious, are high in vitamins E and B12.
Bee Balm
These beautiful pink and purple flowers will fill your garden with a wonderful fragrance, this will attract pollinators as well as hummingbirds. These flowers thrive in moist soil with lots of sunlight. Bee balm will cover a lot of ground, which is great for any gardener working on a budget.
Snap Dragons
These hardy plants will do well anywhere in your yard. They bloom well into the fall, after many flowers are gone. This will keep your garden colorful, even late in the season. As an added bonus, snap dragons will also attract butterflies to your yard.
Rosemary
Rosemary is easy to grow, and wonderfully fragrant. And while the scent of rosemary is pleasant to us, it actually works to repel pests such as flies and mosquitos. Fresh rosemary will also add fantastic flavor to a number of dishes.
Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are low maintenance annual flowers. They are beautiful and brightly colored, which will add character to flower beds or bowls. Nasturtiums are also edible! The petals of these colorful flowers will add a nice peppery flavor to salads, risottos, and will make a beautiful garnish for drinks!
These flowers will bloom all season long and do best in partial shade.