Get ready for a day in the Dutch countryside that’s equal parts sunny, fragrant, and hands-on. We’re talking about picking your own verbena—specifically lemon verbena, that wonderfully citrus-scented herb that practically begs to be touched. On several pick-your-own farms across the Netherlands, you’ll find rows of these elegant green plants. The best part? The smell. As soon as you brush against a leaf, a burst of lemony freshness lifts your spirits. Go on, give a leaf a gentle rub between your fingers—it’s instant aromatherapy.

Selecting and Picking Grab a basket and a pair of scissors. You’re looking for stems that are lush and green, without any yellowing or wilted leaves. The top of the plant is where the most tender, flavorful leaves live. Snip about a third of the way down the stem—this encourages the plant to bush out and keep growing for the next pickers. Don’t be shy; fill your basket generously. Verbena is light, so a full basket might look like a lot, but it shrinks a bit when dried or chopped. Rinse them gently back home and pat dry.

Using Verbena Once Home This herb is a champion of versatility. You can dry bundles upside down in a dark, airy spot for teas and sachets, or use it fresh right away. It’s a wonderful addition to shortbread cookies, fruit salads, and even as a garnish for lemonade. And because it’s an herb, here’s that extra tea recipe:

Lemon Verbena Tea (Simple & Soothing) Grab a handful of fresh leaves (or two tablespoons of dried). Place them in a teapot or a mug. Pour over freshly boiled water, cover, and steep for exactly 5 minutes. Strain and sip. You can add a spoonful of honey if you like it sweeter, but honestly, it’s perfect on its own. This tea is famously calming and helps with digestion—a lovely post-dinner ritual.

Decorating with Verbena Flowers Wait—did you know verbena also produces delicate clusters of tiny purple or white flowers? When the plant is in bloom, those flowers are edible and utterly charming. Scatter fresh flower sprigs over a cheese platter for an elegant touch. Float a few flower heads in a bowl of water with a floating candle for a simple, fragrant centerpiece. You can also tuck stems into a napkin ring for a garden-party vibe.

Cocktail (Yes, for Fruits, But Verbena is a Star Here) Since verbena is an herb, I’ll give you a fantastic cocktail that celebrates it—perfect for summer gatherings.

Lemon Verbena & Gin Fizz Muddle 6-8 fresh lemon verbena leaves with a teaspoon of sugar in the bottom of a shaker.
Add 50 ml of good gin, 25 ml of fresh lemon juice, and a handful of ice.
Shake vigorously, then strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
Top with soda water and a sprig of verbena for garnish.
It’s crisp, herbaceous, and dangerously refreshing.

So grab your hat and your basket—your Dutch verbena adventure is calling!