Here at Better Homes & Gardens, we’re such huge fans of all things Italian food (call us, Stanley Tucci!) that it’s pretty close to impossible to find a pizza or pasta recipe we don’t immediately swoon over. That said, some fast-casual and delivery renditions, or even some restaurant or homemade recipes, can lack a bit of fresh flair.

Since one of the many reasons we love the Mediterranean diet and recipes from that region is exactly that—the freshness factor—we were delighted to see Food Network star and cookbook author Giada De Laurentiis shining a spotlight on the best edible Italian garden plants to consider adding to our spring garden plans through her lifestyle brand Giadzy.