I’ve been thinking about gardens a lot lately. With spring here, it’s the perfect time to bring fresh greenery indoors. Last week I shared a DIY terrarium diffuser, and it got me excited about simple, small-scale gardening projects that brighten the home.
Do you grow herbs indoors? Fresh herbs are delicious for cooking and add a charming, living touch to the kitchen. They’re an easy way to enjoy homegrown flavor and a bit of nature inside.
I often make little coffee mug herb gardens, which I featured in my book Simple Decorating. You can use any container you like—mugs, teacups, small pots—so long as the container suits your style. I don’t stress about having perfect conditions; I focus on enjoying the process and making it look pretty.
I used a few affordable mugs I found online for these plantings. Choosing fun or mismatched mugs can make a simple herb display feel personal and cozy.
These mug gardens (or a little terrarium diffuser) make lovely, thoughtful gifts — perfect for teachers, new neighbors, or a housewarming present. Pair a planted mug with a small book or a handwritten note to create a sweet, simple gift package.
I added copper plant markers to a few of my herb pots and labeled them with a Sharpie. Simple labels help identify the herbs and add a little decorative detail.
If you’re looking for garden inspiration, visiting a public garden can be uplifting. Buchart Gardens in Victoria is one of my favorites for color, design ideas, and seasonal planting inspiration. If you can’t visit in person, a virtual tour or photos from a trip can spark ideas for your own container gardens and outdoor spaces.
Do you plant any herbs indoors this time of year?
More garden posts on The Inspired Room:
We recently refreshed our side patio; it’s a small outdoor oasis that can inspire simple updates to your own yard or balcony. I also have a collection of short, easy garden projects that include teacup and mug gardens if you want quick ideas.
Other posts you might enjoy include step-by-step projects, potting area updates, and backyard tours that show practical ways to add personality and function to outdoor spaces. I share before-and-after photos and tips that are approachable for gardeners at any level.
If you’re compiling supplies or looking for cute garden accessories, I’ve gathered a selection of favorites that work well for container gardening and small indoor herb plots.