Creating a mead garden in outdoor plant boxes is a fantastic way to cultivate plants that attract pollinators and provide ingredients for homemade mead. Here are some of the best plants to consider:

1. Lavender – Known for its fragrant blooms, lavender attracts bees and adds a floral note to mead.

2. Thyme – This hardy herb thrives in plant boxes and offers a subtle earthy flavor to mead.

3. Borage – With its star-shaped blue flowers, borage is a bee magnet and imparts a light cucumber taste.

4. Mint – Easy to grow in containers, mint varieties like spearmint or peppermint can add refreshing notes.

5. Rosemary – A robust herb that attracts pollinators and adds a piney aroma to mead.

6. Chamomile – Delicate flowers perfect for a calming, apple-like flavor in mead.

7. Elderflower – These fragrant blooms are a classic mead ingredient, offering a sweet, floral profile.

For optimal growth, ensure your plant boxes have good drainage and receive plenty of sunlight. Pairing these plants with pollinator-friendly flowers like marigolds or calendula can further boost bee activity. Whether you're a seasoned mead maker or a beginner, these plants will enhance your garden and your brew!