Lets Plant and Chill

Welcome to the Tea Party

WHAT DOES TEA MEAN YO YOU?

Welcome to this journey of plant-inspired wellness and self-discovery. Let’s begin with a simple exercise to ground us.

Take a moment—write your name and your favorite tea on a piece of paper. Now reflect: why is this tea meaningful to you? Is it the taste that lingers on your tongue, a memory it stirs from deep within, or the way it connects you to family or tradition? Perhaps it offers you added focus and alertness, soothes your tummy aches, or brings relief when you’re feeling unwell. This small act of reflection is where we begin to uncover the powerful ways plants nurture our stories, our healing, and our everyday lives.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on how plants support wellness across every dimension of our lives. In our introduction exercise, you shared your favorite teas and why they matter to you. This connection to plants is universal. Across the globe, tea cultures have flourished, moving with people and shaping history.

TEA CULTURE AROUND THE WORLD

Take, for example, the vibrant hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), revered for its tart, refreshing flavor and its role in traditional remedies. Or the ever-versatile mint, cherished for its soothing properties and rich history in culinary and medicinal uses. And let’s not forget catnip, known for its surprising uses beyond cats—historically brewed to calm the nerves and aid digestion.

Sometimes, we struggle to care for plants because we’ve distanced ourselves from nature, forgetting that we’re a part of it. But when we create gardens that resonate with our wellness—gardens that ‘love us back’—it becomes easier and more joyful. Whether it’s spiritual wellness, evoking memories of family and heritage, emotional wellness sparked by the joy of taste, or physical and cognitive benefits like improved digestion or focus, plants can connect us deeply to ourselves and the world around us.

Now, let’s make this personal. Here’s a sheet for you to explore the wellness benefits that matter most to you—whether emotional, spiritual, physical, mental, or social. Choose plants that align with your needs and name your garden. Let’s create something that reflects your story and supports your unique journey to wellness. I suggest you choose up to six.

  • WILD THYME

    Native to the Mediterranean; traditionally used in cooking and medicine; modern uses include teas and essential oils. Traditionally used to supports respiratory health, boosts immunity, and aids digestion.

    Thymus vulgaris

  • HOLY BASIL

    Native to India; revered in Ayurvedic medicine; modern uses include adaptogenic teas and supplements. Traditionally used to reduces stress, enhances mental clarity, and supports immune health

    Ocimum sanctum

  • ROSELLE

    Native to West Africa; used traditionally for beverages and medicine; modern uses include teas and jams and of course in karkade.. Traditionally used to supports cardiovascular health and digestion and is heat relief during hot weather

    Hibiscus sabdariffa

  • LAVENDER

    Native to the Mediterranean; historically used for fragrance and medicine; modern uses include aromatherapy, bath salts, teas and other drinks. Traditionally used to promotes relaxation, improves sleep, and reduces stress.

    Lavandula angustifolia

  • GOLDEN ROD

    Native to North America; traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for healing; modern uses include teas and tinctures. Traditionally used to Supports kidney health, reduces inflammation, and promotes respiratory wellness.

    Solidago (120) spp..

  • CHAMOMILE

    Native to Europe and Western Asia; one of the most popular herbs for infusion. Used historically for calming teas; modern uses include skincare and herbal teas. Traditionally used to calm nerves, aid sleep, and support digestion.

    Matricaria chamomile

  • LEMON BALM

    Native to Southern Europe; traditionally used for calming remedies; modern uses include teas and culinary herbs. Its name directly translates to honey bee in Greek because if attracts bees so readily, This would be great for bee keepers.

    Melissa officinales

  • BORAGE

    Native to the Mediterranean; historically used for courage and skin health; modern uses include teas and garnishes. Traditionally used to supports skin health, reduce inflammation, and boosts mood..

    Borage officinales

  • MOUNTAIN MINT

    Native to North America; traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for digestion; modern uses include teas and insect repellents. Promotes mental clarity, supports digestion, and acts as a natural insect repellent.

    Pycnanthemum pilosum

  • YAUPON HOLLY

    Native to the southeastern U.S.; traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for ceremonial drinks (only caffeinated native plant) ; modern uses include caffeinated teas, known for its caffeine and enhances focus and energy levels.

    Ilex vomitoria

  • CAT NIP

    Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, it is traditionally used in herbal remedies for digestion and relaxation. It was also recognized in ancient times for attracting and stimulating cats due to the compound nepetalactone.

    Nepeta cataria

  • CAT MINT

    Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, catmint has been used for digestion and relaxation. It contains nepetalactone, attracting cats in smaller amounts than catnip, making it ideal for outdoor spaces to avoid strays.

    Nepeta faassenii

Now that you've chosen your plants, it's time to sow your seeds! Here’s a general guide to sowing, with some specific instructions for individual plants. I’ve grouped plants with similar sowing conditions together, so you’ll notice that the process is largely the same for most, but I’ll highlight special instructions where needed.

SOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Add Soil to Your Potting Mat:

Begin by placing your sowing mix onto your potting mat.

Premoisten the Soil:

This step is optional but can be especially helpful when working with fine seeds. Lightly mist the soil with water until it’s evenly moist.

Fill Your Pots

Fill your pots with soil, then gently lift the pots about 4 inches above the table and drop them. This helps settle the soil and creates more space at the lip of the pot, allowing room for water and air circulation.

Sow the Seeds:

Sprinkle 1–2 seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them in, ensuring not to overcrowd. Group seeds with similar germination speeds—fast germinators with fast and slow germinators with slow—for easier management.

Mist the Seeds:

Using a spray bottle, lightly mist the seeds into the soil—around 3 sprays should suffice to lightly settle them.

Place a Cloche Over the Pots

I’ve selected plants with similar germination conditions, so placing a cloche or covering over your pots will help keep the environment ideal. Turn on the light in your sowing station or place it near a window for natural light. If you opt for a window, it may be cooler than the optimal temperature for germination, so you’ll need to use a heating mat to maintain the right warmth. For now, place your sowing station in a warm room with a consistent temperature between 70-75°F.

Germination Time and Care:

Over the next 1 to 4 weeks, the seeds should begin to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet—when you lift the tray, it shouldn’t drip. Water the plants about once a week until they begin to germinate, then increase the watering to 1-3 times per week as they grow.

As your plants mature

As your plants mature, it's important to consider their growth habits and how they will transition to permanent locations. I chose these plants for their versatility, similar sowing conditions, proven health benefits, and popularity as tea plants. Most of these plants are suitable for both indoor and outdoor conditions, but there are a few key points to remember. The Yaupon Holly, for example, grows to a large size, so it's important to either have an outdoor location prepared for it or plan to gift the plant when it matures. The rest of the plants in this selection are perfect for both indoor and outdoor setups.

Here’s what to keep in mind as your plants grow:

  • For indoor transfers, be sure to use potting soil when moving your plants into larger containers. The pots should be at least 4 inches in diameter to give the roots space to grow. Be mindful of their light needs, and consider using supplemental lighting if they aren’t receiving enough natural sunlight.

  • For outdoor planting, make sure to prepare an area outside with ideal conditions—sunlight, drainage, and space to accommodate their growth. This preparation will ensure the plants thrive once planted in the ground. Keep in mind that Raleigh’s first frost typically falls during the first week of April, so aim to get your outdoor plants ready before that time.

I’ve included a list of the plants' preferred growth habits below for reference, to help you better understand how to care for them. Don’t worry, I’ll be here to guide you through this process! Simply follow my Instagram or sign up for the newsletter below to stay connected and updated on what’s happening next. I’ll be caring for these plants alongside you!

Growth Habit

  • WILD THYME

    Full Sun

    Moist

    6 - 8 inches tall

    12 - 18 inches wide

    Thymus vulgaris

  • HOLY BASIL

    Full Sun

    Moist

    12- 24 inches tall

    12 - 18 inches wide

    Ocimum sanctum

  • ROSELLE

    Full Sun

    Moist

    4 - 8 feet tall

    2- 4 feet wide

    Hibiscus sabdariffa

  • LAVENDER

    Full Sun

    Moist

    12 - 36 inches tall

    18 - 24 inches wide

    Lavandula angustifolia

  • GOLDEN ROB

    Full Sun to Part Shade

    Moist

    3 - 5 feet tall

    2 - 3 feet wide

    Solidago (120) spp..

  • CHAMOMILE

    Full Sun

    Moist

    8 - 24 inches tall

    6 - 12 inches wide

    Matricaria chamomile

  • LEMON BALM

    Full Sun to Part Shade

    Moist

    18 - 24 inches tall

    18 - 24 inches wide

    Melissa officinales

  • BORAGE

    Full Sun

    Moist

    24 - 36 inches tall

    18 - 24 inches wide

    Borage officinales

  • MOUNTAIN MINT

    Full Sun to Part Shade

    Moist

    18 - 24 inches tall

    18 - 24 inches wide

    Pycnanthemum pilosum

  • YAUPON HOLLY

    Full Sun to Part Shade

    Moist

    8 - 15 feet tall

    4- 10 feet wide

    Ilex vomitoria

  • CAT NIP

    Full Sun to Part Shade

    Well-drained soil

    18–36 inches tall

    18–24 inches wide

    Nepeta cataria

  • CAT MINT

    Full Sun to Part Shade

    Well-drained soil

    12–24 inches tall

    18–36 inches wide

    Nepeta faassenii