Description
Mentha (Mint)
What herb garden would be complete without mint? Highly aromatic, with uses in the culinary arts, herbal medicine and crafting, mints are among the easiest herbs to grow. Use in summer drinks and teas, vegetable and fruit salads or even with meat or savory dishes. Make a fragrant summer wreath or bouquet! Although it is rich in many volatile essential oils, it is menthol that is most recognizable as the “minty” smell. Menthol has antiseptic, decongestant, and analgesic uses.
Mint is a great plant for beginning gardeners and container gardeners. In fact, growing mint in containers is advisable to prevent it from spreading to where it isn’t wanted. On the flip side, mint makes a fast spreading ground cover that combines nicely with trees and shrubs. If placed mindfully among plants of similar vigor, it can be the perfect plant in a mixed border.