Are there shade-tolerant alternatives to lavender?

Lavender requires full sun but shade gardens have fragrant options too, in regular mint, lemon balm, and thyme. They don't offer all the same benefits as lavender from a sensory and aesthetic perspective, but they serve as a substitute option. For instance, lemon balm is very fragrant and light-sensitive, so I have it in my shaded patio and it provides a stimulating aromatic citrus scent after rain instead of lavender.

Lemon balm has been shown to surpass lavender in partial shade and produce even higher levels of citral, making it ideal for calming teas. Mint emits a refreshing scent under trees, while even lavender would struggle to compete. Thyme is an herb that is earthy in part shade. All three can be happy with just three hours of sun a day, making it ideal for the dismal north-facing garden.

Optimize aromas in low-light settings with clever placement of the herbs. Potted lemon balm around seating will smell great during the day, while foot traffic through mint in paths will release aromas. Place thyme near entrances to be aromatic when guests arrive. The spiral design of my herb spiral allows for fragrance to be isolated in our shaded relaxation zone.

Harvest and preserve your herbs properly: First, pick lemon balm in the early morning, when the oils in the herb have reached their peak potency. Hang mint upside-down in a dark and well-ventilated space. In addition: Freeze thyme in olive oil shaped in molds. As an herb, my lemon balm sachets, dried, infused, and sealed in tulle or muslin bags, will stay potent for approximately six months. Try to store sachets in a dark drawer or even underneath a pillow.

Sensory gardens can include these shade-loving aromatics, too. Lemon balm is planted behind the thyme for a layered scent effect. I have mint planted near the benches, which smells wonderful once you touch it, making for a great experience. Woolly thyme is wonderful between stepping stones. My sensory area is a paradise for pollinators, providing daily aromatic therapy.

Try these lavender substitutes for fragrant shade plants. Lemon balm has a similar calming effect. Mint can be refreshing in many applications. Thyme has herbaceous flavor complexity. Grow one small container of lemon balm and you will welcome the aromatic success in your shadiest garden!

Read the full article: 10 Shade Loving Herbs for Your Garden