Now I have to check to see if this is in my garden

4. Chives: A Hidden Gem in the Herb Garden

Chives are often the unsung hero of the herb garden. You might have planted them for their mild onion flavor to use in your cooking, but did you know that they also make for an excellent pest-repellent plant? Their strong scent helps keep aphids, fleas, and other pests away from your garden, making them a great natural companion plant.

If you have chives in your garden, you might just be missing out on this garden benefit. Not only do they add a wonderful flavor to dishes like salads, soups, and eggs, but they can also help protect other plants in your garden from unwanted pests.

5. Echinacea: Your Immune-Boosting Garden Flower

If you’ve ever planted flowers in your garden for their beautiful blooms and natural medicinal properties, you might already have echinacea growing in your backyard. Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is known for its ability to boost the immune system and fight off colds and infections. The roots and flowers can be used to make a natural herbal remedy, or simply steep the petals in hot water for an immune-boosting tea.

Take a look at your garden—if you’ve planted echinacea in the past, you might be pleasantly surprised by the health benefits it brings. It’s a hardy perennial that’s not only gorgeous to look at, but also incredibly useful in supporting your health.

6. Lavender: A Fragrant and Functional Addition

Lavender is another fragrant herb that you may have in your garden without even realizing its full potential. It’s commonly grown for its beautiful purple flowers and soothing scent, but lavender also has numerous uses beyond its aroma. Lavender oil is known for its calming properties, and the flowers themselves can be used to make lavender tea or infuse oils and lotions.

If lavender is growing in your garden, you’re already ahead of the game. It’s also a great addition to sachets and pillows to help promote restful sleep, and it makes for a beautiful, natural garden decoration.

7. Garlic: The Underground Powerhouse

Garlic is often one of the most unassuming plants in the garden, but it’s definitely worth checking for. While it’s not always immediately obvious where your garlic plants are, they can have incredible benefits. Not only does garlic add amazing flavor to your meals, but it also has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a great plant to incorporate into your diet and health routine.

Check to see if any garlic has sprouted in your garden. You can easily grow it from a single clove, and when harvested, it can provide you with fresh, homegrown garlic to use in your kitchen all year long.

8. Aloe Vera: A Healing Surprise

Many people don’t realize that aloe vera, a well-known succulent with healing properties, can easily be grown in a garden. Aloe vera’s gel is widely known for its ability to soothe burns, cuts, and skin irritations. If you’ve ever bought an aloe vera plant or have used it for skin care, you may be surprised to learn that it’s easy to grow at home.

If you have aloe vera growing in your garden, you’re sitting on a treasure trove of natural remedies! Its ability to promote skin healing and its drought-resistant nature make it a perfect plant to have on hand in your backyard.

Final Thoughts: Time to Explore Your Garden

Gardens are full of hidden gems that may surprise you once you take the time to look closely. Whether you’re searching for healing herbs, culinary ingredients, or just beautiful plants to admire, your garden might already be home to plants that you never realized could make your life better in so many ways.

So, the next time you find yourself thinking, “Now I have to check to see if this is in my garden,” take the time to explore. You might just discover something wonderful that you can add to your cooking, health routine, or even share with friends and family. The beauty of gardening is that there’s always something new to learn and enjoy!