A Day in the Life on the Hill

Life at Hilltop Botanicals follows the rhythm of the seasons. Each day brings a blend of garden work, creative projects, and small-batch crafting. From early morning harvests to late-evening labeling, every step is done by hand with care. Our goal is simple: to bring the natural beauty of herbs, flowers, and handcrafted goods into everyday life.

Morning Harvests: Gathering from the Garden

The day begins in the garden, where herbs and flowers are gathered at their freshest. Chamomile blossoms are plucked in the morning when their fragrance is sweetest. Calendula petals, glowing orange and gold, are clipped and set aside to dry. Rose of Sharon blooms, which peak from July through September, are collected to be dried for mild floral teas and craft blends.

Alongside these summer blossoms, savory herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme are harvested for their fragrant green sprigs. These herbs often make their way into autumn kitchen blends, homemade vinegars, or decorative bundles. Mint, lemon balm, and lavender are cut for teas, wreaths, and sachets. The variety of plants ensures that the shelves are stocked with color and scent year-round.

Drying, Sorting, and Storing

Once harvested, herbs are spread out on screens or tied in small bundles to air dry. This slow process helps preserve their natural fragrance and vibrant color. Jars line the shelves in the workshop, each carefully labeled with the plant name and harvest date. Organization is essential — jars are sorted into groups for teas, oils, culinary use, and crafts.

Calendula petals are gathered into small baskets for later infusions. Chamomile blossoms are tucked into breathable bags until they’re ready to be blended into teas. Rosemary, sage, and thyme are tied into bundles that can be used for cooking, decoration, or wreath-making.

Blending and Small-Batch Crafting

The middle of the day is often spent blending teas, preparing oils, or working on creative projects.

Herbal Teas: Teas are mixed in small bowls, combining florals like chamomile and calendula with herbs such as mint or lemon balm. These blends are stored in jars, ready to be scooped into tea bags or tins.
Infused Oils: Jars of olive or sunflower oil are filled with dried herbs like calendula, rosemary, or lavender. Left to steep in a warm spot, these oils take on the colors and scents of the plants, later to be used in soaps, salves, or seasonal crafts.
Culinary Creations: Rosemary sprigs might be added to sea salt blends, sage tucked into homemade butters, or thyme steeped into vinegars. While some are enjoyed at home, others inspire recipes and photography shared with the community.
Craft Projects: Wreaths woven from dried herbs, handmade journals decorated with pressed botanicals, and fabric printed with plant-inspired designs are all part of the workshop. Photography of fresh blooms and dried arrangements often becomes part of print collections or seasonal cards.

The Creative Workspace

Inside the workshop, the air carries the mingled scents of herbs. Wooden shelves hold jars of dried plants, stacks of handmade journals, baskets of ribbons and string, and tools for labeling. A cutting board often holds sprigs of rosemary, sage, and thyme waiting to be tied into bundles. In one corner, a sewing machine might be in use for making aprons or tote bags, while another space is devoted to photography and digital design.

This blend of homestead and artistry is at the heart of Hilltop Botanicals. The workspace is both practical and inspiring — a place where herbs are processed and ideas come to life.

Community and Local Roots

While much of the day is spent quietly tending to herbs and crafts, community is never far away. Hilltop Botanicals participates in farmers markets and local events, bringing jars of dried herbs, handmade items, and photography prints to share. Online, the same spirit is carried through blogs, courses, and social media, where behind-the-scenes glimpses help connect with people who share a love for nature, creativity, and handmade living.
Sourcing also reflects this commitment to community. When the garden can’t provide enough, herbs are purchased from nearby Kentucky growers who value sustainable practices. This keeps production truly small-batch and rooted in place.

Seasonal Rhythm and Upcoming Projects

Each season brings its own focus. Summer is for harvesting and drying blossoms like calendula, chamomile, and Rose of Sharon. Fall leans into rosemary, sage, and thyme for savory kitchen blends and wreaths. Winter is a time for finishing infusions, sewing projects, and organizing supplies. Spring starts the cycle anew with seed starting, asparagus harvests, and fresh growth.

Looking ahead into fall, Hilltop Botanicals will be introducing new blends that highlight both floral and savory herbs. Cozy teas, infused oils, and crafted items inspired by autumn colors will take center stage. Creative projects like photography prints, fabric designs, and handmade journals will also reflect the season’s mood.

Closing: An Invitation to Join the Journey

A day behind the scenes at Hilltop Botanicals is filled with simple tasks: harvesting herbs, drying petals, labeling jars, blending teas, sewing aprons, or photographing blooms. None of it is rushed — each step is done with intention and care. Together, these small actions create a collection of goods that celebrate the beauty of nature and handmade living.

We invite you to join us in this journey. Whether it’s brewing a cup of tea, making a craft with herbs, or simply enjoying a seasonal photograph, Hilltop Botanicals is here to share the spirit of the hillside.

Behind the Scenes at Hilltop Botanicals