Everything around us has been so bright, green and blooming and there’s no better time to be in nature than in May! Every season has its own beauty and charm but none is as uplifting as spring! The colours of spring (which is sadly almost over) are the deepest, the most intense, the most vibrant! They will gradually start to fade away under the strong sunlight.

These natural, earthy colours have a powerful effect on us. They can calm us down, ground us and remind us of where we belong, around nature! I’ve noticed that after a long and tiring day, there’s nothing more relaxing than being in our garden and taking care of our flowers; watering them, removing the dead leaves, bracing weak branches, looking after them. And all the care and love that you give them, returns to you in the form of a much needed energy, peace and joy!

If an hour in the garden can perform this miracle, imagine what a weekend in the mountains can do! A complete therapy service! The perfect place to soak up all this energy, from the animals, the chattering of birds, the clear, invigorating air that you breathe in. Rebirth! I bet it has happened to you while taking a break during the day and scrolling down on Facebook, to come across an incredible picture of a heavenly, verdant, magical place that invites you to just get lost and wander in the picture. And just for a minute, you stand still, stare at it and listen to the sounds of nature. Just breathe.. The truth is that even though it’s only a substitute, if you manage to truly dive into the picture, you can actually relax for a while and recharge your batteries..

After a very intense week, I really needed a dose of nature myself! So I walked in the mountains, passed through hidden tree-lined paths, rolled on the vibrant green grass along with my favourite group of dogs! I could only hear the chattering of birds and my steps on the ground. I petted our animals, picked fresh vegetables from our garden, gathered eggs! I had no idea what I was going to cook afterwards! No plans at all, which is super weird for me but I suppose that was also part of my therapy!

And that’s when I thought that this is the best time to plant my herbs. Normally, when we come here, I carry countless bags with snacks and treats with me but today I’ve replaced them with my beloved herbs! When our guests saw them, they nervously asked “What are we having for dinner?” And the response was obvious, “Herbs!”

There’s nothing better than having herb pots and baskets ready to be used, in my kitchen. I love them! When basil in all colours and shapes is finally planted, I know that summer is officially here! I have a soft spot for basil! But I do plant all kinds of herbs that I’m able to find, even those I don’t use so often. I just love being around them!

I plant my herbs right outside our seedbed, a fenced space where animals have no access. I’ve noticed that dogs like to mark their territory there, especially on pots. That’s why they need to be protected! I get to enjoy the company of our beautiful cat though (one of the many that live here). She seems to love being in front of the camera and is a natural talent in posing!

I’ve created a beautiful herb garden filled with pots and baskets, I’ve even used some old barrels cut in half! I’ve planted aromatic and red basil, perennial basil, oregano, peppermint, spearmint, sage, marjoram, chives in full bloom, tarragon, rosemary.. Parsley, coriander, fennel, eucalyptus!

Besides being very useful for the sauces that we make in September, they’re also an important part of our daily dishes! We like to add them to our salads, grilled meat and vegetables, we make super aromatic herb oils and generally use them in all sorts of ways! Isn’t it wonderful to be able to add the ideal herb to your dish right before you serve it? It’s a small luxury that we all can have!

Find little pots, baskets, tin cans and small wooden barrels and fill them up with any herb that you like. Not only will they be very useful in the kitchen but they will also upgrade your balcony! Another benefit of planting herbs and aromatic plants is that some of them -like apple geranium, basil, spearmint, rosemary, lavender, sage, citronella, lemon balm- can create a very helpful insect repellent fence for your summer nights!