Rosemary is a hardy, fragrant Mediterranean herb that’s perfect for kitchen gardens. Thriving in a sunny spot, it’s both drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels. Even better, you can take cuttings and propagate them, creating thoughtful growing gifts for friends and family. If you don’t have a rosemary plant at home, local nurseries usually sell seedlings that are perfect for this project.
Plant pots
To make our rosemary gift trees, we used a mix of pots, including terracotta and metal options. We chose silver and gold pots for a festive touch, which really makes the green rosemary foliage pop. Terracotta pots are perfect for painting in any colour you like. Using acrylic paint, two to three coats gave a smooth, even finish and kept the kids entertained. Once the pots were dry, we applied a couple of layers of Mod Podge sealer to both the inside and outside.
Soil & rosemary cuttings
We started by filling each pot with a good-quality propagating mix from our local nursery.
Then it was time to pick our rosemary cuttings from the garden! When taking your own, trim off any lower branches so you’re left with a neat stem. Use a sharp pair of secateurs to make a clean cut.
Next, make a small hole in the soil before placing your cutting in. This helps protect the stem and gives it the best chance to grow into a healthy plant. Once it’s in, gently press the soil around it and shape the cutting however you like, then water it in. Make sure your pot has drainage.
Herb growing gifts
If you’re using seedlings you’ve purchased, simply plant them in your pot and shape your rosemary as desired. Herbs of all kinds make wonderful gifts. Head to your local nursery and pick what’s in season. You could even combine a few different herbs in the same pot. Try a long, window-shaped planter and let your creativity shine!
