Gardening for Cocktails: Summer Delights - Lemon Verbena and Bee Balm

Summer is here and the cocktail garden is feeling the heat! 

Lounging in the garden has become the highlight of the evening as butterflies, dragonflies, and even the occasional humming bird flit through. Lounging in the garden has become the highlight of the evening as butterflies, dragonflies, and even the occasional hummingbird flit through. The air is thick with the sweet, citrusy scent of lemon verbena, mingling with the minty notes of bee balm and the earthy aroma of damp soil. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, creating a soothing symphony that lulls the senses. This tranquil space, teeming with life and fragrant beauty, offers a perfect escape from the day's demands, inviting quiet contemplation and a deep connection to nature.

Lemon Verbena

But perhaps my favorite has been Lemon Verbena offering up her luscious lemony scent every time I brush against her leaves. Lemon Verbena has become an undeniable highlight in my garden, a true sensory delight. Every time I brush past her delicate leaves, a rich, vibrant lemon scent wafts into the air, a fragrance so pure and invigorating it feels like a burst of sunshine. It's not just a subtle hint; it's a luscious, abundant aroma.

Beyond her captivating fragrance, Lemon Verbena boasts slender, light-green leaves and small, delicate white flowers that bloom in late summer. She thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making her a relatively low-maintenance addition to any garden. Her versatility is another remarkable characteristic. The leaves can be used fresh or dried to infuse a delightful lemon flavor into a variety of culinary creations, from teas and desserts to marinades and salad dressings. She's also a welcome cocktail addition especially if you're looking for more than a riff on a sour. Crushed lemon verbena leaves provide all the citrus you could want minus the tang making for a smooth and luscious sip. 

The Orchard and Oak cocktail making her signature debut this Friday is a perfect example of how lemon verbena can elevate a cocktail especially for those that appreciate the timeless character of a Manhattan or Old Fashioned but are seeking a more contemporary and fruit-forward experience.

Bee Balm

Giving off sweet, awkward teenager vibes, gangly bee balm has also entered the scene. Its vibrant, shaggy blossoms, a riot of red, perch atop surprisingly sturdy, yet somewhat ungainly, stems. It’s the kind of plant that hasn’t quite grown into itself, but possesses an undeniable charm nonetheless. Its presence adds a touch of wild, untamed beauty to the garden, a delightful contrast to more manicured plantings. Despite its somewhat unruly appearance, bee balm is surprisingly resilient and easy to care for, thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Its self-sufficient nature further enhances its appeal, making it a rewarding addition for both novice and experienced gardeners. 

Beyond its visual appeal, bee balm also offers a delightful aromatic experience. Its leaves, when bruised, release a strong citrusy fragrance reminiscent of bergamot. This aromatic quality also makes it a fantastic herb for culinary uses, lending a unique flavor to teas, salads, and even meat and pork dishes.

I'm enjoying infusing New Dawn Bourbon with a few leaves and spiking my lemonade for a more sophisticated riff on an Arnold Palmer I’m calling the Bartholomew after the first Black Golf Course Architect and Designer.