Part four of The Dairy Barn Flower Farm FAV flower series is about BASIL!
Basil is a super common herb, so many people cook with it, you can even buy little plants at the grocery store to keep on your kitchen window sill so you always have fresh Basil to add to your favorite recipes.
But did you also know there are specific varieties of basil that are bred to be ornamental not just culinary? I grow 4 different kinds of basil to use in my bouquets that add scent and texture. They can be cut “green” or you can wait until the seed pods start forming to add an additional “spike” to bouquets.
When using basil for cutting it needs a little extra care to fully hydrate. A little boiling water usually does the trick! I use the instant hot water on our faucet and fill a pan to a few inches and set the basil stems directly in the pan. You want the stems to be mostly straight but out of the direct path of the steam. By the time the water cools the stems have rehydrated and are ready for arranging!
Basil is also used to create one of my FAVORITE summertime drinks… basil lemonade!! If you haven’t had it you need to try it! I was introduced to this delicious summertime drink at a local farmers market several years ago and have made it every chance I get since then. Recipe to come so be sure to click the link at the end of this post to subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss it!!
Check out what is next in The Dairy Barn FAV flowers series by clicking on the link below! And don’t forget to signup for our newsletter so you don’t miss out on our latest news on the blog!