CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Mint Common

There are several forms of Garden Mint, the true variety being of bold, upright growth, with fairly large and broad leaves, pointed and sharply serrated (or toothed) at the edges and of a rich, bright, green colour.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

A hardy perennial that is the Basil you have when you don’t have any Basil. Spreads easily so container planting may be a good option.

Add late in the cooking as the mint aroma fades quickly. Finely chop leaves and use them in salad dressings, marinades and sauces. Add to salads and vegetables for an exotic flavour. Tastes a lot like Sweet Basil so partners well with similar strong flavoured herbs.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Best grown in rich, moist soils in full sun to part shade. Adapts to a wide range of soils except dry ones. Large plantings may be sheared after bloom to remove flower spikes and stimulate new vegetative growth. Soil barriers may be used to restrain spread if plants are grown in borders or other areas where spread is unwanted.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Japanese emperor mint is a wonderful culinary herb, with a delicate flavour that goes particularly well in salads. It has a strong flavour and is very hardy, happily surviving frosts.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Also known as Vietnamese coriander, Cambodian mint and laksa Leaf this has to be my favourite Asian herb. Native to peninsular South-East Asia this is a perennial herb, which has striking pointed leaves, lime green in colour with dark inner markings. With purple stems the whole plant evokes a wonderfully strong citrus aroma with a taste to match.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Mentha arvensis is a species of mint with a circumboreal distribution. It is native to the temperate regions of Europe and western and central Asia, east to the Himalaya and eastern Siberia, and North America.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Chatham Island Forget-me-not

The Chatham Island forget-me-not is a stunning perennial with large, glossy ribbed foliage topped off with bold clusters of brightest blue flowers in summer and spring. Grow in a sheltered shady spot. Must have protection from afternoon sun. If happy will form a large clump. Evergreen.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Nemesia

A perennial Nemesia with dainty stems of mauve-blue fragrant flowers set amongst the mid green foliage. Likes a morning sun or part shade position and will be at its best in early spring. Nice for container planting too. Trim off spent flower heads to encourage re-bloom. Evergreen. PVR.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Nemesia

A perennial Nemesia with dainty stems of deep maroon fragrant flowers set amongst the mid green foliage. Likes a morning sun or part shade position and will be at its best in early spring. Nice for container planting too. Trim off spent flower heads to encourage re-bloom. Evergreen.

Trim back spent flowers to encourage more flower spikes.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Nemesia

A perennial Nemesia with dainty stems of white to pale pink with a bright golden eye in the centre. Fragrant flowers set amongst the mid green foliage. Likes a morning sun or part shade position and will be at its best in early spring. Nice for container planting too. Trim off spent flower heads to encourage re-bloom. Evergreen. PVR.