The Millennial generation is known for resourcefulness, frugality, and eco-friendliness. These priorities convalesce into gardens that are functional as well as beautiful.

By planting multipurpose plants, you're creating a natural gift that keeps on giving. Here are some of the must-have multipurpose plants for your garden.

Lavender

Lavender is a versatile plant with iconic shades of purple and white that glow in the summer sunset. Lavender is also a powerful multipurpose choice for the garden.

When lavender first blooms, it will provide much-needed nourishment to the pollinators. The aromatic petals are one of the best ingredients for aromatherapy and are said to reduce stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders. To get these benefits, you can trim your lavender and put it in a vase, or create your own aromatherapy oils.

Finally, lavender is a fantastic addition to baked goods and pairs famously with lemon and vanilla cupcakes, scones, and cookies. Here's a bit of a bargain for lavender so you can get planting.

Mint

Mint is so low-maintenance that it grows itself. One thing to watch for with this potent plant is that it doesn't take over your entire garden. If you have a large lawn, you might consider planting mint as a ground cover in tricky mowing spots.

This herb is a fantastic baking ingredient and has made a name for itself in the cocktail world. The strong aroma is also a deterrent to many pests that would otherwise feast on your garden, making it a natural pesticide.

Oats

Most people forget that oats are a plant, and never consider that they could grow their own. All oats need to thrive is some well-draining soil and a nice sunny patch of earth. Even those with small backyards can grow some oats.

In addition to being a staple in the kitchen, oats play a protective role in gardening. Its roots not only prevent soil erosion but limit weed growth. If you don't want to eat your oats, you can mix them back into the soil to improve the nutrient levels or use them to create products for sensitive skin.

Marigolds

Marigolds are low-maintenance annuals— meaning you'll have to plant them every year. These pungent plants are a goldmine for pollinators while deterring common pests, like nematodes and hornworms. If you're planting tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, or cabbage, you'll want some marigolds nearby.

In addition to being bright and bold, marigolds are fantastic in the kitchen. When sauteed in oil, marigolds taste nearly imperceptible from saffron. Marigolds are a fantastic alternative to saffron for Spanish rice and Moroccan chicken dishes.

Roses

Roses are a well-loved traditional flower that comes in a variety of colors and shapes. They make great barrier plants for natural privacy and smell heavenly on the evening breeze.

While roses are mostly for the show in the garden, their petals are versatile and multifunctional. You can use rose petals in the kitchen to make tea, cocktails, baked goods, and brighten earthy dishes. Roses are also a must-have for DIY beauty products, like rosewater, toner, and moisturizer.

Garlic

While we tend to think of garlic as a purely culinary plant, these beauties are among the best companion plants you can grow. Garlic deters a variety of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and other aggressive plant destroyers. When it comes to companion planting, garlic is a rose's best friend.

While everyone knows that garlic cloves can be harvested, fewer newbies take advantage of the garlic scapes. The long, green stems that grow from the top of garlic are a treat. You can use these to add a subtle enhancement to any dish in place of spring onions or chives. Furthermore, trimming the scapes is actually beneficial to the garlic plant as it directs more nutrients into the cloves.

Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is another must-have for attracting pollinators. This incredible plant brings bees and butterflies to the yard and attracts hummingbirds and non-invasive breeds of moths.

In the kitchen, you can use bee balm to make tea, salads, baked goods, and cocktails. Bee balm also has antifungal and antibacterial qualities, making it a potent ingredient in natural remedies.

Add these multipurpose plants to your garden and enjoy the incredible features they offer both outsides and inside your home.