Mint – Blessing or Bane in the Garden?
Mint. The very word can make a gardener shudder at the thought of it running rampant through the garden, which it will indeed do when left to it’s own devices. But, I’m here to play devil’s advocate. Mainly because when we bought our house, the garden was a disaster, and one of the only few things growing in the garden was Mint, along with some gladiolas, and some Japanese spurge.
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So, I decided to embrace the mint since we all know the fight can be a futile one. Once established, it’s pretty hard, if not impossible to get rid of. So, if you are thinking of planting this herb in the garden, and don’t want it to take over, then I’d suggest growing it in a container, where it can be kept on it’s own.
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However, since I didn’t have the luxury of a choice to grow it, I’ve found that Mint can indeed be kept in line, mainly by digging some of it out and trimming it back before it goes to seed. I say I’ve embraced it because it is one of the most useful herbs in cooking! Great on
new potatoes, as a
pesto, and of course, in a
Mint Julep, (perhaps to be enjoyed best on a verandah!)
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The variety I’m growing is Lemon Mint, (Lemon Balm, or Melissa officinalis, and not to be confused with Bee Balm).
I harvest it and hang it to dry in bundles where it keeps it’s very lovely scent.
It’s great for
use in Pot Pourri, apparently makes a delicious tea, and is considered to be a popular antiseptic!
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So, don’t beat yourself up if it’s in your garden. Use it and embrace it because what’s the point of getting bent out of shape over a plant! Like they say, “If you can’t beat it, join it!”
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Happy Gardening!
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Mint. The very word can make a gardener shudder at the thought of it running rampant through the garden, which it will indeed do when left to it’s own devices. But, I’m here to play devil’s advocate. Mainly because when we bought our house, the garden was a disaster, and one of the only few things growing in the garden was Mint, along with some gladiolas, and some Japanese spurge. 