This plant has so much going for it, it’s hard to limit the words. We use it in our life every day with our sense of smell and taste.
Mint
This wonderful plant is used to freshen our breath, add flavor to our drinks and food, add a pleasing scent to a room, settle an upset stomach, ease the stress of a headache, and even to entertain (think catnip!).
There are many varieties of mints used in gardens, your window sills and even in the landscape. One of the easiest ways to identify a plant as to being part of the mint family is the unique “square” stem. When you roll the stem in your fingers, you can feel the stem is not a smooth round shape. Did you know that Lemon Balm is in the mint family?
Mints varieties go beyond the types that might immediately come to mint such as spearmint and peppermint. Here are just a few, and a hint: they are named because there is a hint of the same taste in their name as in their flavor.
Banana Mint, Chocolate Mint, Strawberry Mint, Grapefruit Mint, Mojito Mint, Orange Mint, Ginger Mint and the list goes on.
One suggestion for growing mint is to remember that it is an aggressive grower and you might be better off growing it in a pot where it will be easier to control.
Mint also come in a wide range of growth sizes. Horse mint can grow up to 3′ tall, while Penny Royal Mint is more of a ground cover. Leaf sizes vary as well. One of the smallest is the Corsican Mint.
Here is something funny that happened to me; one of those “I should have known better” moments. I had a beautiful, full lush pot of Catnip that I had grown for my two kitties. (interesting to note; not all cats like catnip! I have one who loves it and the other turns her nose up at it and walks away).
One day I decided they had had enough and it was time to settle down, so I set it outside the front door until the next day. Well, when morning came and I went outside, I found several of the neighborhood cats laying on my front porch while others were chasing the squirrels. When I looked at my beautiful pot of cat nip, there was little left of it! The neighborhood cats must have thought it was a treat, and they ate it down to the soil line! Thankfully mint grows quickly, so my cats didn’t have to go without for too long, he-he.
What are some of the ways you use mint? Any favorite varieties?
Gossip from the Southern Garden 
Hi Victoria, I love your name! It’s beautiful. Unfortunately, I have not read any of your books yet, but I love cozy mysteries so I’ll grab one soon. I envy your gardening expertise. A few years ago I grew several pineapples, a few avacado trees & many spider plants. I ate one pineapple & gave the others to my sons & their families. I gave my prize avacado tree to a son who is much better at keeping a still living plant alive! After awhile my green thumb turned black. I, too am a proud Christian woman & I live in S. FL. I’m loving the cool weather right now. It’s a lovely change! Victoria, it’s nice to receive your email. I’m going to pick up a book of yours right now!
Stay safe & God bless you,
Patty
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