These Backyard Plants Are More Delicious Than You’d Think

Some common backyard plants are not only safe to eat but also surprisingly flavorful. You might be growing ingredients without even realizing it. With a little know-how, you can use these plants in simple meals or snacks.

From herbs and flowers to leafy greens, many edible plants grow easily in home gardens. They can be added to salads, teas, or cooked dishes for extra freshness. It’s a great way to use what’s already available around you.

These plants are more than just pretty or practical—they can bring something useful to the kitchen too. With the right picks, your backyard can double as a source of easy, everyday ingredients.

Light Baked Stuffed Squash Blossoms

These tender squash blossoms are filled with a simple, light stuffing and baked just until crisp on the outside. They make a lovely seasonal snack or appetizer with minimal fuss. Perfect when you’re in the mood for something unique but easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Light Baked Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Iced Karkade Tea Recipe

Made from dried hibiscus petals, this bold, ruby-red tea is naturally tangy and refreshing. It’s often sweetened to balance the tartness and served ice-cold—especially nice on warm afternoons. A splash of citrus brings it all together beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Iced Karkade Tea Recipe

Lavender Syrup

With just sugar, water, and dried lavender, this floral syrup is incredibly simple to make. Add it to drinks, drizzle it over desserts, or stir it into yogurt. A little goes a long way, but it always adds something special.
Get the Recipe: Lavender Syrup

Lilac Sugar

This fragrant sugar is made by layering fresh lilac blooms with granulated sugar, infusing it over a few days. Use it in tea, baking, or anywhere you want a subtle floral note. It’s an easy way to make something everyday feel more thoughtful.
Get the Recipe: Lilac Sugar

Dandelion Tea

Made from fresh or dried dandelion flowers, this tea has a mild flavor with earthy undertones. It’s often enjoyed for its grounding and gentle properties. A small touch of honey brings out its natural character.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Tea

Dandelion Syrup

This syrup starts with gathered blossoms and finishes as a golden, floral-scented drizzle. It pairs especially well with toast, pancakes, or stirred into warm drinks. Surprisingly easy to make, it’s a sweet way to use what’s growing around you.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Syrup

Lemon and Lavender Purple Mocktail Recipe

This bright, fizzy drink combines the zing of lemon with the subtle calm of lavender, all in a striking purple hue. Great for gatherings or relaxing evenings, it feels a bit fancy without much effort. You can make it ahead or mix as you go.
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Lavender Purple Mocktail Recipe

Fresh Dandelion Greens Tea

The young leaves of dandelions steep into a tea that’s gentle and slightly bitter, with a green, fresh taste. Often sipped for its traditional benefits, it’s best made with early spring greens. Enjoy it hot or chilled depending on the season.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Dandelion Greens Tea

Lavender Tea Recipe

Brewing lavender buds into a calming tea is as easy as pouring hot water and waiting a few minutes. It’s known for helping you unwind, especially before bed. Try it on its own or blended with other herbs like chamomile or mint.
Get the Recipe: Lavender Tea Recipe

Exploring the Delights of Edible Flowers

Flowers in the kitchen aren’t just for decoration—they can bring gentle flavor, color, and a bit of fun. From fresh petals to infused syrups, they’re a natural way to make food and drink more interesting. Start simple and see what you enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Exploring the Delights of Edible Flowers

Hibiscus Pomegranate Margarita

This bold take on a margarita blends tart hibiscus with sweet pomegranate for a rich, fruity mix. It’s refreshingly different and looks great in the glass. A salted rim and lime wedge finish it off just right.
Get the Recipe: Hibiscus Pomegranate Margarita

Dandelion Jelly

Made from the golden petals of dandelions, this jelly has a subtle flavor that’s often compared to honey or chamomile. It’s a lovely spread for toast, biscuits, or crackers. Plus, it’s a fun project if you like working with wild ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Jelly

Lavender Chamomile Cake

Soft and fragrant, this cake balances floral notes with a gentle sweetness. It’s perfect with tea or for sharing at small gatherings. A light glaze or dusting of powdered sugar is all it needs.
Get the Recipe: Lavender Chamomile Cake

Dandelion Cookies

These cookies include dandelion petals for a subtle twist on a classic treat. They’re light, slightly floral, and not too sweet—great with tea or coffee. Use freshly gathered petals for the best result.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Cookies

Dandelion Greens Pesto

Instead of basil, this version uses dandelion greens for a sharper, earthy flavor. It’s great on pasta, sandwiches, or stirred into soups. A good way to make use of what’s often seen as just a weed.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Greens Pesto

Plum and Rose Jam

Juicy plums and dried rose petals come together in this richly flavored jam. It’s floral without being overpowering and works well on toast, in pastries, or even with cheese. The color alone makes it worth making.
Get the Recipe: Plum and Rose Jam