If you’re like me, you probably end up with more herbs than you know what to do with by midsummer. Sure, you can dry them or make pesto, but why not try something different? That’s where herb garlands come in.

An herb garland is exactly what it sounds like – a decorative string of fresh herbs. It’s a simple way to showcase your garden’s bounty and add a touch of green to your space. Plus, it smells amazing.

I love growing herbs, and I’ve got a background in floral design. This project lets me combine both passions. For this garland, I used a mix of herbs from my garden to create interesting textures and scents. I included bunches of herbs including cilantro (greens and flowers), sweet basil, Thai basil, purple basil, flowering lemon thyme, parsley, sage, lemon balm, and mint. The variety gives the garland depth and visual interest.

This post will walk you through how to make your own herb garland using whatever you’ve got growing in your garden. It’s a great way to use up extra herbs and add some natural decoration to your home. I hung mine over the kitchen window, but you can put it anywhere you like.

A garland hung over a window made of mixed fresh herbs from the garden.

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Table of Contents

Materials Needed For This DIY Herb Garland

Fresh Herbs: Use whatever you have growing in your garden. Mix different types for variety in texture and color. Some good options are basil, sage, thyme, rosemary, mint, and parsley.

Wire: You’ll need floral wire or thin gauge wire. I used a brown wrapped spool of wire that I had from another project, but regular green spool wire works. I prefer 22 or 24 gauge wire – it’s sturdy enough to hold the herbs but thin enough to wrap easily.

Scissors or Garden Shears: You’ll use these to cut your herbs. Make sure they’re sharp for clean cuts.

Wire Cutters: These make cutting the wire much easier and safer than using scissors.

Optional Extras: If you want to add more to your garland, consider including things like small flowers, dried citrus slices, or wooden beads. These aren’t necessary, but they can add extra visual interest.

Tip: This post includes mixed herbs, but you can make single herb garlands like rosemary garlands for a more uniform look.

Supplies for this project including wire, scissors and wire cutters.

Creating the Garland

Supplies for DIY Herb Garland:

Fresh herbs from your garden
Floral wire or thin gauge wire (22 or 24 gauge recommended)
Wire cutters
Scissors or garden shears

Gather and Line up your herbs
Start by group your herbs in bundles this way you can easily grab what you need as you make your herb garland.
Making Herb Bundles
Start by creating small, consistent clusters of herbs. Mix different types for variety, but be mindful of creating a pattern. For example, you might alternate between clusters of leafy herbs (like basil or mint) and more structured herbs (like rosemary or sage). This creates visual interest and a sense of rhythm in your garland.
Connecting the Bundles
Take your first cluster and wrap the wire tightly around the stems several times. This secures the herbs and gives you a starting point.
Lay the next cluster slightly overlapping the first, following your chosen pattern. Move the wire to these new stems and wrap them tightly. Keep building on this, adding clusters and wrapping with wire as you go, maintaining your pattern throughout the length of the garland.
Creating Hanging Loops
Continue making the garland to the desired length. Once your garland is the done create loops at each end for hanging. Use the same wire, wrapping it securely around the end of the garland and twisting it to form a loop.

Remember, while following a pattern adds structure to your garland, it doesn’t have to be perfect. The natural variations in the herbs will still give it a fresh, organic look.

Additional Elements to Enhance Your Herb Garland

Here’s a list of items that could be added to your herb garland:

Dried citrus slices (i.e. orange slices)
Cinnamon sticks
Dried apple rings
Dried or faux flowers
Ribbon or twine
Pinecones (small)
Wooden beads
Twinkle lights (battery-operated for flexibility)
Bay leaves
Dried chili peppers
Sprigs of dried lavender
Small ornaments (for holiday versions)
Dried rose hips
Eucalyptus sprigs (fresh or dried)
Dried strawflower or other preserved flowers
Feathers
Small bells
Dried seed pods (like poppy heads)
Dried moss
Thin branches or twigs for structure

Tip: When adding extras, less is often more. You want these elements to complement your herbs, not overpower them. Choose items that fit your overall theme and don’t forget to consider the weight when hanging your garland.

Using Your Herb Garland

Kitchen Decoration: Hang your garland over a window or along a bare wall in your kitchen. It adds a fresh, green touch and puts your herbs on display. Plus, it’s handy for snipping fresh herbs while cooking.

Natural Air Freshener: The herbs will release their scent as they dry, naturally freshening your space. Hang the garland in areas that could use a pleasant aroma.

Outdoor Entertaining Accent: Drape your garland along an outdoor table or hang it on a porch railing when entertaining. It adds a nice touch to your decor and can help deter insects, depending on the herbs used.

Herb Drying Method: Your garland naturally dries as it hangs, doubling as a “drying rack” for your herbs. Once fully dry, snip off the herbs to use in cooking or crafts throughout the year. For best results, hang your garland in a well-ventilated area to ensure proper drying.

Remember, your herb garland is versatile. Feel free to move it around or make multiple garlands for different uses. The best part is, when you’re done with it as decor, you can still use the dried herbs in your kitchen.

Care and Maintenance

Keeping the Garland Fresh: Fresh herb garlands have a limited lifespan. Without a water source, they’ll start to dry out within a few days. To maximize freshness:

Mist the garland lightly with water every day or two.
Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
If possible, store it in the refrigerator overnight.

Transitioning to a Dried Herb Garland: As you’ve noticed, herb garlands dry fairly quickly once cut. This is normal and actually extends the garland’s usefulness. To help it dry evenly:

Hang the garland in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid damp spaces
Check for any signs of mold, especially in thick areas of the garland.

Once fully dried, your garland can last for months. The colors will fade and the scent will become more subtle, but it’ll still look attractive and can be used for cooking or crafts.

a close view of the herb garland in the window.

Other Ideas and Variations

Herb Swags: Instead of a full garland, try making a herb swag. These are shorter, one-sided bundles that you can hang on doors or walls. They’re quicker to make and use fewer herbs.

Mini Garlands as Gifts: Make smaller versions of your garland to give as gifts. These are great for fellow herb enthusiasts or as housewarming presents. Pair them with a recipe card featuring herbs for a personal touch.

Incorporating Edible Flowers: Add edible flowers from your garden to the garland for extra color. Nasturtiums, pansies, or herb flowers like chive blossoms work well. Just make sure they’re pesticide-free.

Candle Ring Centerpiece: For a quick table decoration, arrange your garland in a circle to create a wreath shape. Place a candle or a group of candles in the center. This makes for an easy, fragrant centerpiece that’s perfect for outdoor dining or the holiday season.

Table Runner Garland: Create a longer garland to run down the center of your dining table. Weave it gently in an S-shape along the table’s length. Place candles or small vases with flowers at the curves of the garland. This creates a lush, aromatic backdrop for meals and works especially well for outdoor entertaining.

long herb garland that can be used as a table garland.

Creating your own herb garland is a great way to showcase the bounty of your herb garden. It’s a simple project that turns herb stems into something beautiful and functional. Whether you’re using a single type of herb or mixing various kinds, the result is always unique and fragrant.

These garlands aren’t just for your own enjoyment. They make wonderful handmade gift ideas, perfect as a hostess gift or for anyone who appreciates fresh greenery in their home. The best part is, they’re easy to customize – you can adjust the length, add a hanging loop, or incorporate other elements to suit your style or the recipient’s taste.

Remember, the key to a great herbal garland is starting with fresh, healthy herbs either from your garden or grocery store. So get out there, explore your garden, and start creating. You might be surprised at how addictive this craft can be, and how many uses you’ll find for your handmade herbal decorations.

Happy DIY’ing Friends!