Planting a Tea Garden

Dawson prepares the area by stripping the sod to create an 8- by 10-foot planting bed. Turning the soil breaks up the larger pieces that might inhibit the new plants' growth. Although Dawson doesn't typically recommend amending soil when planting herbs, this soil was heavy clay and needed help to improve drainage.

Then he removes the stakes and twine and pours pea gravel into the pathway. Pea gravel can be found at garden supply stores and landscape centers. Dawson chooses a pea gravel that is large enough to stay put when walked on and small enough to be comfortable underfoot.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) makes a nice hot tea or accent to iced tea. Orange mint (Mentha x piperita f. citrate) has purple leaves and a citrus flavor and scent.

In the planting beds, Dawson adds several popular herbs and flowers.

• Chamomile (Chamaemelum) has small soft leaves and small flowers that resemble daisies. It is known for its calming effect.
  
• Catnip (Nepata cataria) is another soothing herbal tea. Cats also love its fresh or dried leaves.
  
• Bergamot (Monarda didyma) is also called bee balm. It has bright, bold flowers that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
  
• Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) is a lower growing groundcover that is not as invasive as other mints.
  
• Pansy (Viola) adds color and is an edible flower that makes a great garnish to salads and fruit trays.