I have heard it said that once you start growing mint, it’s difficult to stop. There are a couple of reasons for this … you will become addicted to the fragrance and yummy flavoring it provides and the other reason is that it is a true overachiever in the garden–sending out runners in every direction. I find it is best to keep mint in a pot. You won’t love it if it takes over your garden!
Since I garden in Zone 5 and put my mints in pots, I over winter them in my potting shed. They don’t get enough light to flourish but enough to survive.
One mint in particular gets my utmost attention in the winter … the Apple Mint. This mint was the last garden gift from my mother before she passed away more than 20 years ago. The Apple Mint has survived almost 25 winters. I have several pots going … just to be sure. I would be devastated if I lost it. Few things make me feel closer to my mom.
I am not the only one that puts a high price on mint–Luke 11:42 says … for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs.
Mint has long been regarded as a symbol of hospitality, the Romans would strew it around at feasts and banquets as a welcoming sign to guests.
I use lots of mint when guests come too … especially in my “famous” lemonade (click for recipe). In fact, we hardly ever have a drink in the summer that doesn’t have mint in it!
Currently I am growing these mints:
- Peppermint: Predictably strong and wonderful for tea!
- Orange Mint: Lighter citrus flavor and great in drinks too!
- Lemon Mint: Strong citrus flavor … a little goes a long way.
- Chocolate Mint: Strong, pretty but not the best in drinks.
- Apple Mint: Fuzzy, beautiful, but better as a plant than a flavoring.
All look great and smell great in cut flower arrangements!
What is your favorite mint? How do you use in it?
Great Post. Was given a cutting of “rose mint” at the cut flower farm we visited a few weeks ago. It seems to have taken root and I hope to see it fill out soon.
I look forward to a picture of rose mint. Sounds very nice.