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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. Cut back in Autumn for new winter growth.

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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.

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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.

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aka Mint Vietnamese or Cambodian mint or laksa leaf

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

Native to peninsular South-East Asia

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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.

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aka Japanese Silver Grass

A showy ornamental grass. Foliage has a distinctive bronze autumn color. Tassel-like flowers which mature to silver appear in autumn, rising 30-50cm above the foliage. Dies down in winter, trim back before spring so new growth comes through nice and fresh. Deciduous. Hardy.

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aka Ornamental Grass

This ornamental grass is a compact perennial with narrow leaves, finely edged with white and pink-tinged tassels of flowers in autumn. Cut down old foliage in winter so new, fresh leaves will shoot in Spring.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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aka Bromeliad

Bromelliad. This small bromeliad produces leaves arranged in an urn shape which collect rainwater in the base. Leaves are red if grown in full sun but revert to green if planted in shade. Leaves are oblong with rough, serrated margins.

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aka Catmint

Dwarf Catmint. Go on make the cat happy and plant at least one of this easy care and pretty perennial. Aromatic grey-green foliage topped off with blue flowers that appear off and on from spring to autumn. Tidy with a quick trim and fresh foliage soon appears. Likes the sun and good drainage. Evergreen.

Catmint looks good as a low edging for borders or as a link plant amongst groups of perennials. Cats do love this plant so be prepared to have at least some of it rolled on, licked and generally loved by your cat. This will induce feverish activity followed by deep slumber!

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aka Catmint

A useful and attractive perennial with grey/green foliage and pretty sprays of mauve blue flowers that appear from spring right through to autumn. Useful as an edging for flower beds. Loves a sunny position and a good haircut every now and then. Hardy, evergreen and yes cats love it!

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aka Mondo Grass

Black Mondo Grass. This unique perennial has distinctive stiff purple-black foliage which clumps together to form little mounds that can be used as a ground cover or edging. Small lilac flowers appear in summer followed by shiny black berries. Evergreen.

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aka Mondo Grass

Great little ground cover with fine narrow dark green leaves that form soft mats that hug the ground. Trouble free and easy to grow. Palest mauve flowers hide amongst the foliage and are followed by little blue berries. Grow in full sun or part shade. Evergreen.

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aka Mondo Grass

A grass-like perennial that forms tactile little clumps of very fine foliage. The soft dense mats look fabulous along pathways or edges. Small flowers hide amongst the foliage and are followed by little berries. Grow in full sun or part shade. Evergreen.

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aka Mondo Grass

Rewarding perennial with green strappy foliage that forms a strong little clump and spreads well. Ideal for mass planting or using as an edge along borders and pathways. In summer pale mauve flowers appear and these are followed by attractive berries. Easy to grow. Evergreen.

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aka Oregano Common

Herb. A highly ornamental and delicious herb that is an essential ingredient in Italian style cuisine. A must have on top of Pizza. Mainly used dry. Plant in a sunny well drained spot and give it a good haircut every now and then. Perennial.

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True Greek oregano is the superior, true culinary type of oregano prized by Italian and Greek chefs. It is highly aromatic and flavorful, combining superbly with fresh tomatoes or tomato sauces, egg and cheese combinations such as omelets and quiche, marinated vegetables, meat, fish and poultry.

Grows well in a container.