Newsletter: 7th June 2026
Introducing the Lamiaceae Herb Family
From the scent of freshly picked Mint to the distinctive flavour of Rosemary, many of our most-loved herbs belong to one remarkable plant family: the Lamiaceae, often known as the mint, deadnettle or sage family.
Following our exploration of the Apiaceae and Asteraceae families, we now turn our attention to a group of herbs that has shaped kitchens, gardens and herbal traditions for centuries. With over 7,000 species worldwide, the Lamiaceae family contains many of the culinary and medicinal herbs that gardeners grow and use every day.
How to recognise a Lamiaceae herb
Members of the Lamiaceae family share several distinctive characteristics. Most have square stems, opposite leaves arranged in pairs and highly aromatic foliage rich in essential oils. Their flowers are often tubular and two-lipped, making them particularly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
If you gently rub the leaves of a Mint, Thyme or Sage plant between your fingers, the familiar fragrance is a clue that you are handling a member of the Lamiaceae family.
Familiar herbs from the Lamiaceae family
Many of the herbs we grow, cook and infuse belong to the Lamiaceae family, including:
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum) - read All About Basil
- Mint (Mentha species) - read Jekka's Guide to Mint
- Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) - read Jekka's Guide to Rosemary
- Sage (Salvia officinalis) - browse Jekka's Sages
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - read Jekka's Guide to Thyme
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare) - read Jekka's Guide to Oregano
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - buy seeds
- Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) - buy seeds
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - read Jekka's Guide to Lavender
Together they provide an extraordinary range of flavours, fragrances and uses, from Mediterranean cooking and herbal infusions to supporting pollinators and creating sensory gardens.
Why gardeners love Lamiaceae herbs
Members of this family are naturally resilient and thrive in well-drained soils and sunny locations. Their nectar-rich flowers make them invaluable plants for pollinators, while their aromatic leaves can help create interest throughout the growing season.
At Jekka's, some of our favourite summer displays come from the Lamiaceae family. In July, Jekka's Herb Garden is alive with the colours, scents and pollinator activity generated by flowering Salvias, Lavenders, Oreganos and Thymes.
Bees foraging on thyme (Thymus)
Explore the Lamiaceae family this July
If you would like to experience the Lamiaceae family in its full summer glory, join us at our July Open Days on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th July 2026.
During your visit you can explore Jekka's Herb Garden and Jekka's Herbetum, enjoy seasonal talks and tours, discover how different herb families grow and interact, and see many members of the Lamiaceae family at their peak. Our team will be on hand to answer your herb-growing questions, while the farm shop and café will be open throughout the day.
July is one of the most beautiful times of year on the herb farm, with the garden buzzing with pollinators and many of our favourite aromatic herbs in flower.
We look forward to welcoming you - Book your July Open Day tickets today!
Cultivating flavour, creating experiences.