JENNIFER ALEXANDER RUPLE

As mid-summer slides into the region, farm-to-table freshness is on high alert. Warmer days and cooler evenings deliver an abundance of culinary delights to the garden, home and kitchen. Fresh herbs are one such seasonal gift that gives back all season long and beyond.

Whether they’ve been grown in pots on the patio, in a garden bed or purchased from a local farmers’ market, fresh herbs are beautiful plants to behold and provide so many practical ways to enjoy them.

Here are eight ideas to enjoy herbs this season.

Make a bouquet. Gather favorite herb cuttings such as lavender, sage and mint and arrange them in a canning jar or small vase. They’ll provide a pretty ambiance and fill the room with a sweet aroma.

Plant a patio herb garden. Choose an assortment of pots in varied sizes and shapes. Fill each pot with a different herb and group the pots into a tiered display.

Add to summer dishes. Snip herbs from patio pots and use them to add flavor to dinner all season long. Chop basil and sprinkle it over pizza and pasta, or add it to tomato sauce. Garnish a charcuterie board with fresh rosemary sprigs or small bundles of parsley. Scatter dill over salmon. Dust chives and rosemary over potatoes.

Assemble lavender sachets. Fill small drawstring bags with lavender flowers. Place the sachets in closets and drawers to keep clothes smelling fresh for months.

Preserve them. Spread freshly cut herbs over baking sheets and store them in a dry area for about one to two weeks. Once herbs are completely dry, remove the leaves from their stems and crush them, then store them in spice jars. Use crushed herbs in soups, stews and to season vegetables all winter long.

Create seasoning mixes. Combine dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary and marjoram for ready-to-go Italian seasoning. Sprinkle over pizza, pasta or combine with olive oil and red wine vinegar to drizzle over salads.

Mix in with water. Add pineapple or oranges slices and fresh mint sprigs to a pitcher of water for a refreshing flavor twist.

Whip up some herbed butter. Chop 4 teaspoons of a favorite herb or use a combination of two such as parsley and chives. To a small bowl, add ½ cup softened butter and herbs. Stir to combine. Cover and chill in refrigerator for a few hours. Shape the butter into a log or in balls and spread it on crackers or warm, home baked bread.