Page 54 • The HERALD • 28th August 2025 v THE HERALD - Proud to be part of your communityv DOWN THE GARDEN PATH SPADEWORK Family Landscaping & Fencing Team ] Decking & Natural Sandstone Paving ] Patios ] Driveways ] Block Paving ] Turfing ] All Types of Domestic & Commercial Fencing ] Security Fencing Supplied & Fitted Tel: (023) 8089 4909 Mobile: 07703 566814 u Free Estimates u Fully Insured All Aspects of Garden Work Undertaken • Driveways • Paving • Artificial Grass • Turfing • Decking • Fencing • Hedge Cutting • Landscaping Hythe Garden Contractors Family company established 1977 For a free quotation please call 023 8084 3556 or 023 8084 0378 Grow Your Own Cocktail Garden this Summer Advice from British Garden Centres Many of us look forward to relaxing in the garden or on the patio with a refreshing cocktail in hand. Whether you’re celebrating with family over a classic G&T or winding down a er a busy day with a homemade mojito, there’s something special about adding a fresh, homegrown garnish to your favourite drink. is year, why not take your summer drinks to best grown in a pot, as it can spread quickly if le to grow wild. Crush a few leaves and add them to a simple G&T or a vodka lemonade for a burst of fresh, lemony avour. Mint: is is simply a must have for any summer drinks. From mojitos to Pimm’s, the cool, refreshing taste of mint is a classic for the season. Mint is a vigorous grower and can take over a garden bed, so it’s best kept in a container. Keep picking over the next few weeks, and you’ll always have a healthy supply for your cocktails. Nasturtiums: Why not add these to your cocktail as they are easy to grow, edible owers that bring both colour and a peppery, rocket-like avour to your drink. eir petals and leaves can be used as striking garnishes, added into drinks for a savoury twist, or even pickled as a unique addition to martinis. Nasturtiums thrive in pots or garden beds and add a touch of summer air and creativity to any glass to impress your guests. Rhubarb: Summer is all about rhubarb, which o ers a tart, vivid burst of avour and colour that can transform any drink. Its stalks are ideal for making tangy syrups, mixing into spirits, or using as a garnish. Easy to grow in sunny spots with well-drained soil, rhubarb pairs well with strawberries, ginger, or citrus, and brings a unique, refreshing twist to everything from spritzes to margaritas. Rosemary: is herb isn’t just for lamb and roast dinners. Its piney, aromatic avour makes it an exciting garnish for gin cocktails, spritzers, Bloody Marys, or even whiskey and bourbon drinks. Try pairing rosemary with citrus fruits for a summer, sophisticated twist. Sage: is brings a sweet, earthy avour to cocktails and works well with both clear and dark spirits. Try infusing it into gin, tequila, or bourbon, or make a simple syrup for summer drinks. Sage is easy to grow and will complement your drink every weekend. Thyme: Another herb that is perfect for those who like their cocktails with a savoury edge. Traditional thyme is great, but lemon or orange thyme can add a gentle citrus avour to your drinks. Use it to garnish sweet cocktails or add it to your favourite gin mix. Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres, said: “Growing your own cocktail garden is a fun, rewarding project that brings a little extra magic to your summer. With just a few pots and a sunny spot, you can enjoy fresh flavours in your drinks and in no time, you’ll have a living garnish bar, ready to snip from whenever you fancy a tipple.” the next level by creating your very own cocktail garden with British Garden Centres? What to grow in your cocktail garden? You don’t need to be a gardening expert or have a huge outdoor space to grow cocktail herbs. Most of these can be bought as potted plants or even grown from seed if you’re feeling patient. Here are some of our favourite plants to grow for summer drinks: Basil: is is o en linked with Italian cooking and summer salads, but it’s also a fantastic addition to cocktails. Its peppery, slightly sweet avour adds a fresh twist to drinks like gin and tonics or even a strawberrybasil smash. Basil loves warmth and sunlight, so a sunny windowsill is the perfect spot if you don’t have a garden. Cucumbers: A classic summer cocktail ingredient, loved for their crisp, cooling avour and refreshing crunch in a summer drink. Growing your own cucumbers is simple, whether in containers or garden beds, and slices are perfect for Pimm’s, gin and tonics, or blended into non-alcoholic coolers. Lavender: is favourite is easy to grow and brings a lovely oral note to cocktails. Drop a sprig into a gin or vodka drink for a subtle, woody avour and a splash of colour. Lavender pairs especially well with lemony drinks, and its scent alone will make your cocktail hour feel extra special. Lemon Balm: Part of the mint family, lemon balm packs a punch with its zesty, citrus aroma. It’s Grow your own cocktail garden this summer
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