About us

About Backyard Patch Herbs

Helping you bring herbs into your life—easily, naturally, and joyfully.

At Backyard Patch Herbs, everything we do is designed to make herbs simple, flavorful, and fun—for you.

Maybe you're looking for a better cup of tea, a salt-free way to season your food, or a natural approach to everyday living. You’re in the right place. For over 30 years, I’ve been growing, harvesting, and hand-blending herbs into teas, cooking mixes, dips

cleaners, and self-care recipes to help everyday people like you use herbs without the guesswork or overwhelm.

I started with a few herbs by the back door—grown for tea, my husband’s dietary needs, and the museum programs I taught. When I couldn’t find tasty, natural blends without preservatives or mystery ingredients, I made my own. Friends and family asked for more… and before long, Backyard Patch Herbs was created to meet real people’s needs.

Today, every product still comes from the garden I tend myself. I blend everything by hand using only herbs and spices—no salt, no fillers, no chemicals. The result? Flavors you can feel good about and blends you can actually use every day.

But I don’t just sell herbs—I help you feel confident using them. Whether you're sipping a cup of tea, making a new dip, or learning to grow your own lemon balm, I want you to feel empowered, supported, and a little inspired. Because herbs aren’t just for experts. They're for you.

If you’ve ever thought “I’d love to use herbs, but I’m not sure where to start,” you’re not alone. That’s why I created blends that are ready to use, host hands-on workshops, write how-to guides, and offer custom blends for dietary needs. Everything I do is about making it easier for you to enjoy the goodness herbs bring to your food, your health, and your home.

So whether you're looking for a gift, a pantry upgrade, or a cozy herbal ritual —I'm here to help you make it simple and joyful.

Let’s bring herbs into your life, one easy, tasty blend at a time.

Here’s What We Do for You

• Clean, salt-free blends made for everyday flavor.
  No fillers, preservatives, or mystery “spices”—just fresh, flavorful herbs blended by hand in small batches.
• Custom formulas to fit your needs.
  Allergies? Sensitivities? A specific flavor in mind? We’ll tweak any blend or create a custom one just for you.
• Workshops & programs that make herbs approachable.
  We offer engaging, hands-on presentations (in person or virtual) that teach you how to grow and use herbs at home.
• Support that sticks with you.
  From our blog to our newsletter, you’ll get seasonal tips, simple recipes, and real-life herbal wisdom—not fluff.

What People Are Saying

“Fabulous! BEST herbs ever! So hard to find really good salt-free blends & Backyard Patch does them right!”

– Eloise S.

“You write, grow, bake, cook, and shake cocktails! I took so many notes and can't wait to try these new mocktails!”

– Emily Kofoid, Library Director

🌿 Let’s Stay Connected

Whether you’re a tea lover, a curious cook, or just herbal-curious—we’re

✨ Join the Good Thyme Club for seasonal recipes, folklore, and discounts.

🛍️ Shop our online store or find us at a local market in Northern Illinois.
📚 Want to learn more? Visit the blog or request a presentation!

We make herbs easy—so you can make them yours.

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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.