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.

___________________________________________________________________