From “Never” to Nature: How I Fell in Love with Gardening

What You’ll Find in This Post

In this article, I’ll share my personal journey from having three firm “nevers” as well as:

How it all started
My early gardening failures
How gardening slowly became a meaningful part of our life
The herbs I love to grow and how they benefit us
Simple herbal tea recipes straight from the garden
My favorite books and resources for gardening and herbalism
The tools and products I rely on to keep my garden thriving
Inspiration and practical ideas to start your own herb garden

{This post contains affiliate Amazon links. That means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you choose to make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products I genuinely love, have personally used, or have thoroughly researched and would confidently use for my own family.}

I used to have three firm “nevers” in life:

I will never sew.
I will never ferment or make my own cosmetics.
I will never garden.

Well… here I am today doing all three—and loving every bit of it.

Funny how life works, isn’t it? What started out as firm declarations became unexpected passions that now shape the rhythm of my everyday life. And while gardening might be the most visible change, it was actually sewing that opened the first door.

How it started

When I launched my newborn photography business, I was instantly smitten with all the tiny bonnets, wraps, and outfits. But those handmade props come with a hefty price tag. I already knew how to crochet and knit, so I started there—creating little hats and wraps for my sessions. Then came the thought: What if I made my own outfits too?

That’s when my husband gifted me a sewing machine. I still remember how intimidating it looked at first, but I was determined to learn. Stitch by stitch, mistake by mistake, I slowly started to create exactly what I envisioned. Now, I make almost all of my newborn props myself—each one personalized, unique, and stitched with love. It’s become such a joyful part of my creative process.

If you want to peek into where it all began, here’s a post from my studio that shows my first love: capturing those newborn days.
Read it here:
Newborn Photo Session – Austin, TX

How I failed in gardening

Gardening came into my life a bit more reluctantly.

When my first child was born, I had this sweet idea: we’d grow something together. I wanted to show him how a plant grows—from seed to harvest. So we planted a pepper seed. We watered it. And waited. We grew a pepper plant with one leaf on top which never produced. (See the photo below)

We may have overwatered it. Or underwatered. Or maybe peppers are just too picky for a first-time gardener. Whatever the reason, that little pepper plant never stood a chance.

So I labeled myself: not a garden person. That was that.

But a few years later a friend of mine handed me a few plant cuttings and said, “Just stick them in soil. They'll grow.” I didn’t have high hopes—but I tried it anyway.

And to my complete surprise… they did grow.

I was fascinated. No fancy techniques, no deep horticultural knowledge. Just cuttings, soil, and water. That little moment reawakened something in me. I started reading more, experimenting, and learning, especially about gardening in Texas—which, let me tell you, is a whole world of its own.

I learned how to mulch and conserve water. I found out what thrives in our heat and what doesn’t. I learned how to propagate plants—how to grow more from what I already had.

And slowly, almost accidentally, I built a little garden.

A Life That Grows

Now, our yard is full of life. I have a beautiful garden filled with flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Every morning, I go out there with a warm cup of tea and just breathe it in. It's my quiet place.

The kids are right there with me too. They've learned that cucumbers don’t grow on trees, that mint doesn’t always smell the same, and that some plants are edible while others are toxic. They’ve planted flower seeds, propagated fig trees from cuttings, and even sold a few young plants to friends.

One evening, they stayed up late to watch a dragon fruit bloom—those magical, otherworldly blossoms that open only at night. A few days later, they saw it begin to form fruit. We now have close to ten different varieties of dragon fruit growing in our yard.

My mint collection alone includes more than fifteen kinds. Spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint, pineapple mint, apple mint… and each one with its own scent and story.

They’ve learned why bees matter. Why flowers bloom. Why seasons change.

They smell every flower. They ask questions. They proudly bring in the first tomato or zucchini of the season like it’s a treasure. Because it is.

The Kitchen That Smells Like Home

And about that third “never”—fermenting and homemade cosmetics? That one crept in quietly and made itself at home.

Now, our kitchen often smells like dried lemon balm and fresh rosemary, calendula flowers drying on trays, sourdough rising in the corner, and a big pot of herbs steeping on the stove. It’s a place of warmth, motion, and earthy comfort.

We drink teas made entirely from what grows in our yard—fresh mint, holy basil, lemongrass, rose petals, dried orange peels, and more. And one of my favorite little joys? Watching my husband, a former black tea purist, reach for a cup of homegrown herbal tea instead. It’s such a simple thing, but it makes me happy every time.

The shelves in our pantry are now lined with homemade elderberry syrup, calendula-infused oil, chamomile lotion, herb salves, and fizzy bath bombs made with lavender from the garden. It’s beautiful, practical, and empowering to make these things ourselves—using what nature gives us.

If you're curious, I have a full blog post with simple recipes for herbal creams, lotions, and more:
Simple and Natural DIY Beauty Recipes You Can Make at Home.

I hope it inspires you to try something new in your own kitchen, too.

My Favorite Herbs to Grow

If you’re wondering what to start with, here are 20 herbs that are beautiful, useful, and perfect for home gardens. Some are culinary, others are medicinal, and many are both. Even just a few pots on a balcony can bring beauty, healing, and joy.

1. Basil
Perfect for pesto, sauces, and summer salads. Also used to support digestion and reduce inflammation.

2. Mint (many varieties)
Great for teas, desserts, and cooling drinks. Soothes upset stomachs, freshens breath, and can ease headaches.

3. Thyme
A savory kitchen staple for meats, soups, and stews. Medicinally, it’s antimicrobial and supports respiratory health.

4. Rosemary
Strong, piney flavor for roasts, potatoes, and bread. It’s known to support memory, improve circulation, and reduce stress.

5. Oregano
Essential in Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Also a powerful natural antibiotic and antifungal when made into oil or tea.

6. Parsley
Bright and fresh—great in salads, sauces, and juices. Rich in vitamin C and iron; supports kidney health.

7. Cilantro
A staple in Latin and Asian cuisine. Known to help detox heavy metals and support digestion.

8. Dill
Used in pickling, dressings, and fish dishes. Helps ease digestion and gas, especially for kids.

9. Lemon Balm
A calming herb for tea with a gentle lemony flavor. Great for anxiety, sleep, and nervous digestion.

10. Chamomile
Famous for its relaxing tea. Helps with sleep, colic in babies, anxiety, and gentle skin care.

11. Lavender
Beautiful and fragrant. Used for relaxation, sleep support, skin care, and homemade cleaners or sachets.

12. Sage
Earthy flavor for stuffing and meats. Used in teas and tinctures for sore throats, hot flashes, and inflammation.

13. Holy Basil (Tulsi)
An adaptogen used in teas for stress, immunity, and hormone balance. Sacred in Ayurvedic tradition.

14. Echinacea
Known for its immune-boosting power. Often used in tinctures and teas to prevent or shorten colds.

15. Calendula
Bright orange flowers used in skin salves, lotions, and teas. Heals cuts, rashes, and soothes inflammation.

16. Catnip
Calming for cats, but also a gentle relaxant for humans. Helps with sleep, colic, and mild fevers.

17. Yarrow
Used topically to stop bleeding and for wound healing. Also used in teas for colds, fevers, and menstrual cramps.

18. Peppermint
Strong and cooling—perfect for teas, desserts, and oils. Great for digestion, headaches, and energy.

19. Garlic
Technically a bulb, but often grown alongside herbs. Culinary must-have and natural antibiotic for colds and immune support.

20. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Beautiful blooms that attract pollinators. Used in teas for sore throats and digestive relief.

Want to Start Your Own Herb Garden? Here Are My Favorite Tools and Kits

If you're feeling inspired to start your own herb garden, whether it’s a few pots on a sunny windowsill or a full backyard project, here are some great tools and starter sets to help you begin. These are items I’ve used and loved—or would happily recommend to anyone starting out.

Beginner-Friendly Herb Garden Kits

Organic Herb Seeds Variety (5 Pack)
A compact all-in-one kit with pots, seeds, soil discs, and plant markers. Great for windowsills or beginners wanting to test out a few herbs indoors.

Organic Basil Seeds Variety (8 Pack)
Includes organic seeds, soil, pots, and a simple guide. Makes a wonderful gift for yourself or a friend just getting started.

Organic Herb Seeds (15-Pack)
Stylish and simple—grow herbs right in these cute glass jars. Great for small spaces or even your kitchen counter.

Cucumber Seed Collection
Want to start outdoors? This raised bed is easy to assemble and great for growing a variety of herbs in a neat, contained space.

Organic Tomato Seeds (10-Pack)
A thoughtfully curated seed pack with a wide range of culinary and medicinal herbs to try—perfect for building out a diverse herb garden.

Zinnia Seeds
Zinnias are colorful, easy-to-grow annual flowers that brighten any garden. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and their vibrant blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Great for cutting bouquets or adding cheerful color beds.

Four O’Clock Seeds
Four O’Clocks are charming flowers that bloom in the late afternoon and stay open until morning. They’re low-maintenance, attract pollinators like hummingbirds, and add a magical evening glow to your garden.

Flower Garden Seed Collection
This collection includes a variety of flower seeds perfect for creating a vibrant, diverse garden. It features different colors and types to attract pollinators and beautify your outdoor space throughout the growing season.

Wildflower Seeds Butterfly and Hummingbird Mix
A mix designed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds with a blend of annual and perennial wildflowers. This mix supports local wildlife and creates a lively, colorful garden full of natural beauty.

Organic Herbal Tea Seeds Variety Pack
Grow your own fresh herbs for delicious homemade teas. This pack includes several organic herbs perfect for brewing soothing, flavorful herbal teas right from your garden or windowsill.

The Best Tools for Garden Success

Heavy Duty Garden Pruners – Option 1
Option 2

Sharp, reliable, and comfortable in the hand—ideal for harvesting herbs and trimming back growth.

Even Better! My Favorite Electric Pruners
If you're looking for top-quality pruners that will last for years—these are worth the investment.

Plant Labels and Markers Set
These waterproof garden tags are perfect for labeling all your herbs. Easy to write on, long-lasting, and super helpful for staying organized—especially with similar-looking plants.

Velcro Plant Ties
A must-have for climbing or vining herbs like tomatoes, beans, or even dragon fruit. These adjustable ties are gentle on stems and reusable—great for training plants without damaging them.

Gardening Gloves
Protect your hands from thorns, dirt, and irritation while working in the garden. Look for breathable, durable gloves with good grip.

Garden Tool Set 3 Pieces
Hand Trowel, Hand Cultivator and Hand Fork

Soil Moisture Meter

Helps you monitor soil moisture levels to avoid overwatering or underwatering your plants—great for beginners.

Kitchen Compost Bin
A compact, odor-controlled bin for collecting kitchen scraps before composting outside. Keeps your kitchen clean and eco-friendly.

Simple Herb Tea Recipes from the Garden

Here are a few of my favorite blends:

Soothing Sleep Tea
Chamomile + Lemon Balm + Lavender
This is my go-to nighttime blend. It’s floral, gentle, and relaxing. I steep about 1 tsp of each herb per cup of hot water, cover it, and let it sit for 8–10 minutes before straining. It’s also great iced on hot Texas nights before bed.

Immune Boost Tea
Tulsi + Echinacea + Dried Orange Peel
This is a slightly spiced, earthy blend with a hint of citrus. Tulsi (holy basil) is a favorite adaptogen that grows well in our yard. Add some dried echinacea leaves or flowers (or a store-bought bag), plus some orange peel you dried on the windowsill, and you’ve got a powerful support tea for when everyone’s passing something around.

Digestion Blend
Peppermint + Fennel + Ginger (optional)
I sip this after meals. Fennel has a slightly sweet, licorice flavor, and paired with peppermint it becomes both cooling and soothing. If you're feeling heavy or bloated, a little fresh ginger root (or dried if you have it) can really help.

Refreshing Summer Cooler
Cucumber + Mint + Lemon Balm
Slice fresh cucumber and add a handful of mint and lemon balm leaves to a pitcher of cold water. Let it infuse for at least an hour in the fridge. Perfect for staying hydrated on hot days.

Calming Herbal Bath Soak
Lavender + Chamomile + Calendula
Dry these flowers from your garden and mix about ½ cup in a muslin bag or directly into your bathwater. It’s soothing for tired muscles and helps ease stress after a long day.

Immune-Boosting Honey Syrup
Echinacea + Lemon Balm + Honey
Steep fresh or dried echinacea and lemon balm leaves in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and stir in raw honey while warm. Take a spoonful when you feel a cold coming on.

Herb-Infused Olive Oil
Rosemary + Thyme + Garlic
Place sprigs of rosemary and thyme along with peeled garlic cloves into a clean jar. Cover with olive oil and let sit in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks. Use for cooking or salad dressings.

Zesty Herb Salt
Oregano + Lemon Zest + Sea Salt
Chop fresh oregano finely and mix with grated lemon zest and sea salt. Spread on a baking sheet to dry, then store in a jar. Sprinkle on grilled veggies, fish, or chicken for extra flavor.

Basil Salt
Fresh basil leaves + sea salt
Finely chop fresh basil leaves and mix them with coarse sea salt in a ratio of about 1:2 (basil to salt). Spread the mixture thinly on a baking sheet and let it dry completely for a day or two. Once dry, store it in an airtight jar.

Favorite Gardening & Herbalism Books

People often ask where I learned all this—and the answer is: slowly, over time, through books, trial and error, and a lot of internet rabbit holes.

Here are a few books that really helped me feel more confident:

“The First-Time Gardener: Growing Vegetables” by Jessica Sowards
A gentle, practical intro if you’re starting your first garden. Jessica (of Roots and Refuge Farm) shares not just how-to’s but why gardening matters.

“The Herbal Apothecary” by JJ Pursell
A beautiful and informative guide with detailed herbal profiles, safety info, and DIY recipes. This one lives on my kitchen counter half the year.

“Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide”
Clear, friendly, and filled with small, approachable projects. Great if you want to start making herbal remedies at home.

“The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies” by Nicole Apelian and Claude Davis
A big, photo-rich reference packed with wild plant identification tips, medicinal uses, and old-fashioned remedies you won’t find in most modern books. It has a survivalist slant and is perfect for anyone who wants to forage or get back to traditional plant wisdom.

YouTube Channel: Homesteading Family
Their videos on herbal salves, tinctures, teas, and fermenting are so helpful—and their family life is inspiring.

Products I Use in the Garden

Neem Oil Spray – A natural way to manage pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies without harming beneficial insects.

Fertilizer for Dragon Fruit – Specially formulated to support flowering and fruiting in tropical plants like dragon fruit.

My Favorite All-Purpose Fertilizer – This organic concentrate works for almost everything in the garden: herbs, veggies, fruit trees.

Organics Granular Garden Fertilizer – Organic blend ideal for building soil health and supporting plant growth.

1-Gallon Pump Sprayer – Makes applying neem oil, foliar feeds, and other garden treatments quick and easy.

Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus – Granular fertilizer for indoor and outdoor plants. Feeds up to 6 months with essential nutrients.

Epspoma Organic Iron-Tone – Great for treating yellowing leaves and supporting deep green growth in herbs and veggies.

Espoma Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer – Supports strong root growth and is especially helpful for bulbs and flowering plants.

Espoma Organic Blood Meal Fertilizer – A natural source of nitrogen to give your greens a boost.

From “Not Me” to “This Is Me”

I still smile thinking about how sure I was that I’d never do these things. Never garden. Never sew. Never ferment.

But those “nevers” became stepping stones to some of the most meaningful and nourishing parts of my life.

So here’s my question to you:

What’s something you once said you’d never do, but now love?

I’d love to hear your story.

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