A comforting ritual for many, making a soothing cup of tea is an everyday way to mindfully meditate. So why not expand your mindful practice by growing a garden of tea options and creating your own flavours?
There’s nothing quite like the ritual of making a cup of tea. The steaming water, steeping leaves, and warmth of a mug in your hands. Whether you’ve boiled a kettle and dunked a teabag or brewed loose leaf in your teapot, at the very least it’s a few minutes of escape from often-busy days that are yours alone.
For many, the next step in this mindful process is to consider the environmental implications of their daily teabag. Each teabag is made up of bleached, processed paper and is sealed at the top with a plastic polymer, which isn’t compostable. Plus there’s now discussion on the existence of microplastics in tea brewed from teabags.
So why not avoid the issue altogether by growing your own tea?
FOR AN EVERYDAY CUPPA
You’re likely used to having either black, white, green or oolong tea – some variety of these traditional teas can be found in most kitchens around the country. But were you aware that all of these leaves come from the same plant?
Camellia sinensis is the species grown commercially for tea production.
Relatively hardy, it can tolerate a lot, especially once established. Growing this kind of tea plant is possible in many different climates, although how you care for it will differ depending on your local weather conditions. In colder areas, for example, you’ll want to use a large pot instead of growing your tea plant in a garden bed so in the event of freezing winter temperatures you can bring your plant indoors.
You’ll want to let your plant establish itself for a few years before picking too many of the leaves. While you’re waiting for your Camellia sinensis to mature, why not explore quicker-growing herbal tea options?
HERBAL ALTERNATIVES
If you prefer a herbal blend, you’re in luck! There are all sorts of plants and herbs that you can steep into a delicious tea moment. All you need to do is pick the leaves, pull them roughly apart, and let them steep for about four to five minutes. Try these easy-to-grow options and experiment with their flavour profiles.
Common mint
Easy to grow, in fact it’s a little too easy. Grow it in a pot, otherwise it will try to take over your garden. Good for digestion and stomach issues, plus the flowers will bring bees to your garden.
Native thyme
An aromatic shrub rich in essential oils, this plant loves full and partial sun, warmth and moisture. Keep an eye on it – if the soil isn’t freely draining, it can be prone to rot.
Lemon myrtle
Growing in a garden or a large pot, this native will tolerate full sun to partial shade, although will need to be brought indoors if your area is prone to frosts. Its beautiful summer flower will attract nectar-eating insects, bees, and butterflies.
Basically, you can make tea out of any plant that’s edible, fragrant and, most importantly, non-toxic. If you’re ever uncertain about whether something’s okay to eat, check with a local gardening centre.
Enjoy your tea!
This article was originally published in Issue 15 – Dance Your Cares Away. You can purchase this issue and enjoy more enchanting content here.
