08/22/2026
I have so many beautiful native plants growing in my garden, and one of my favorite evening rituals is wandering among them after dinner. Unless the rain has done the watering for me, I gently tend the garden and notice which plants seem to call out for a cup of tea.
Lately, my Lippia alba has been especially vibrant, filling the air with its bright lemony, citrusy scent. I paired it with a handful of Bidens alba, a plant that grows abundantly in Florida and is often overlooked as a “weed,” yet is wonderfully nourishing.
Lippia alba, sometimes called bushy lemon balm, has long been used to support relaxation, digestion, and respiratory health, and is valued for its calming, soothing qualities. It also contains aromatic compounds and antioxidants that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
Bidens alba is rich in antioxidants and has traditionally been used to support immune health and overall vitality. This humble native plant reminds me that some of nature’s greatest gifts are often growing quietly all around us.
Tonight’s tea steeped in my treasured Japanese kyusu, a traditional single-steeping teapot I brought home from Japan when I lived there from 1992–1994.
Every time I use it, I’m reminded how simple rituals, like gathering herbs, brewing tea, pausing for a moment of stillness can connect us to both nature and memory.
What plants in your garden are calling to you these days?
