About us
What We Do
Welcome to the captivating world of Backyard Patch Herbs, where herbs come
alive and transform ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences! I'm Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh, the herb gardener extraordinaire behind this home-grown endeavor that's about to take your senses on a wild adventure.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to bring you the finest quality dried herb blends that are not only bursting with flavor but are also free from pesky preservatives and nasty chemicals. You deserve nothing less than the purest, most delightful herbs to enhance your culinary adventures and pampering rituals.
For over two decades, I've immersed myself in the magical realm of
gardening, channeling my passion and creativity into the art of herb cultivation. From those lush green gardens bursting with abundance, I've crafted a treasure trove of sensational delights: herbal cooking blends and tantalizing teas. Trust me, it's been quite the herb-infused journey!
Oh, and let me tell you a little secret behind the birth of Backyard Patch Herbs. My beloved husband had some rather unfortunate run-ins with MSG, food enhancers, and those sneaky preservatives that lurk in the shadows. As a result, I took it upon myself to create a range of products that would sweep you off your feet, without any worries about questionable ingredients typically disguised as "other spices." Say goodbye to those unwanted additives!
Get ready to embark on a journey of flavor exploration. Picture this: luscious, no salt blends that transform your dips, dressings, rubs, and marinades into tantalizing works of culinary art. And let's not forget the divine pleasure of sipping heavenly teas, curated with love and care.
Here's the best part: we're all about customization. We can weave our herbaceous magic to suit your every desire. Need a new formula? No problem! Craving a specific ingredient removed? Consider it done! We blend herbs to order, ensuring that every creation is tailored to your unique preferences and needs. It's like having your very own herb whisperer at your service!
Where the Magic Happens
Discover our exquisite products through multiple channels, from the convenience of our website to the enchanting realms of Etsy and Ebay. Immerse yourself in the Northern Illinois region's vibrant markets, Garden Walks, and Shows, where our presence brings herb-infused delight. Stay updated on upcoming events and shows by joining our mailing list or following us on Facebook. Rest assured, your information is sacred and shall never be sold or shared.
For those with an insatiable thirst for herbal wisdom, we offer a gateway to knowledge. Simply request a presentation on growing or using herbs at your local library (please only within a 100-mile radius of Elmhurst, Illinois please.) Alternatively, explore our captivating Blog at backyardpatch.blogspot.com, where a tapestry of herb-related articles, stories, and folklore awaits. Join our Good Thyme Club with regular newsletters and discounts, delivering tantalizing recipes and folklore straight to your inbox, without overwhelming it.
What our Customers are Saying
About the Herb Blends
Fabulous! BEST herbs ever! So hard to find really good salt-free blends & Backyard Patch does them right! My favorite is the salt-free popcorn blend (spicy!). Such fantastic customer service! Free recipes, free samples & super fresh herbs! Thank you!
Eloise S
About the Programs
And what don't you do? You write, grow, bake, cook and shake cocktails! 
I took so many notes and can't wait to try these new cocktails! I'll will keep you in mind for future programs. I enjoyed how personable you were and how much prep-work you did for our program.
Take care,
Emily Kofoid
Director
Graves-Hume Public Library
How it all started
I started growing herbs in 1994. I love the scents, the shades of green, and the scent and texture of the leaves. I love everything about them!
My first herb garden resulted from my need for good tea herbs. To this day, tea is among my favorite creations.
My husband does not use salt or preservatives, as a result all my seasonings and mixes, are all salt free, organic and preservative free.
Explore all my posted herb knowledge
Commonly asked Questions
FAQ
Do you use preservatives?
All of our blends are created with no preservatives, flavor enhancers or anti-clumping agents.
We grow our herbs organically, no chemical fertilizers, no pesticides and only organic methods. The herbs are grown in "hills" placed in rows. This allows us to walk among the plants but keep a high-quality soil and easy watering methods that makes plants drought resistant.
Are your items salt and gluten-free?
All our herb blends are crafted with no salt and no gluten. Our baking mixes will be clearly marked if they are gluten-free, but all will be low salt. However, since we make all the blends ourselves if you wish no salt in a baking mix (scones, breads, etc.) just ask and we will blend them without salt.
How and where do you ship?
Due to restrictions on plant materials, we only ship to the US or US territories. NO international orders are accepted. All items can be shipped either UPS or USPS depending on weight.
Where do your herbs come from?
We grow almost all of the herbs we use in our blends at our 3/4 acre herb garden. We have been growing herbs since 1994 and created our garden space in 1998 growing our herbs production style in hills and rows.