Mentha–commonly called mint–is a group of herbs grown for their decorative aromatic foliage. Mentha is a genus of 25 perennials that bear tubular to bell-shaped flowers usually borne on spikes of whorled clusters. Mentha has lance-shaped to round, light to dark green or gray leaves, often highly aromatic. Mints are widely used as culinary, fragrant, […] More
Nepeta, also known as catnip or catmint, is a hardy perennial plant that is relatively easy to grow. Nepeta is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is a bushy plant with gray-green leaves that have a pungent aroma when crushed. Nepeta produces small, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in spikes during […] More
Calamintha is a member of the mint family. Its leaves give off a minty-lemon odor when brushed. Calamintha bears clusters of small, tubular, two-lipped flowers in shades of lilac-blue, pink, and white. The Calamintha genus contains about eight species of perennials and subshrubs. Commonly called calamints. The name Calamintha is from the Greek kalos, meaning “beautiful”, and minthe, “mint”. Calamintha bears small […] More
Use mint fresh or dried to flavor vegetables—cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, eggplants, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini. You can add fresh mint to cold and hot soups and beverages. There are all types of mint to choose from spearmint, peppermint, pineapple mint, orange bergamot, and apple mint to name a few. Mint has a striking aroma, […] More
Cardoon is a tender perennial vegetable often grown as an annual. Cardoon looks like a cross between burdock and celery. It is grown for its young leaf stalks which are blanched and eaten like celery. Cardoon has heavy, gray-green, fuzzy leaves that are deeply cut leaves and a heavy, bristled flower head. Cardoon is a […] More
Artichokes are perennial plants. Artichokes prefer cool, moist summers and mild winters. The perennial artichoke plant will not survive where the ground freezes. The artichoke is an edible thistle flower bud that is eaten before it opens. Artichokes are tender perennials that grow from 3 to 4 feet (.9-1.2m) tall and to 6 feet 1.8m) […] More
Arugula–also known as rocket, garden rocket, and roquette–is a dense, low-growing plant with long, smooth, soft-lobed, bright green leaves. Arugula is a cool-weather leafy crop. Grow arugula in spring and autumn. Arugula leaves can be harvested about six weeks after sowing seeds. Arugula plants will continue to produce succulent leaves as long as the weather […] More
Polemonium — Jacob’s ladder–is a lush perennial with finely divided foliage and bears clusters of tubular, saucer, or bell-shaped flowers in spring and summer. Blooms are borne in either branched clusters or singly and usually in shades of lavender-blue or white, but sometimes purple, pink, or yellow. Polemonium produces clumps of leaves divided in a pinnate fashion; […] More
Garden cress can be planted directly in the garden, or it can be sprouted indoors. Plant garden cress seed in early spring; it will germinate quickly in soil that is 65°F (18°C). Garden cress is a fast-growing edible herb that has a sharp, tangy flavor like mustard. Garden cress is grown in soil. Garden cress […] More
Monarda–commonly called bee balm–bears hooded red, pink, white, or lilac summer trumpet-shaped flowers borne in whorls. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. Monarda is a tall clump-forming perennial with, aromatic lance-shaped green leaves. Monarda has dark green leaves with a strong pleasant odor of mint and basil. Monarda is a perennial; it is not long-lived […] More
Alchemilla–commonly called Lady’s Mantle– is a low-growing perennial with chartreuse blooms and rounded pale green lobed leaves that hold beads of sparkling morning dew on their surface. Commonly called lady’s mantle is often used as an edging plant or groundcover in shady places. Alchemilla is a genus of low-growing, evergreen perennials of the Rose family. […] More
Thyme is a genus of aromatic herbs or shrubby plants that belong to the mint family. There are several vrieties of thyme that are cultivated as bohyt ornamental and sweet herbs. Most have small lavender or pink flowers. They are often planted in the rock gardens, as borders in ornamental gardens, or in herb gardens. […] More
Stephen Albert