Mints: A Family Of Herbs And Ornamentals

by Barbara Perry Lawton

A Family of Herbs and Ornamentals is the first book to survey the entire mint family (Lamiaceae or Labiatae), which includes a surprising variety of plants long valued for their herbal and ornamental uses, from rosemary to lavender to peppermint. Most family members are easily identified as such - in fact, the mints were one of the first plant families to be recognized - because of their distinctively lipped, often attractive flowers, square stems, opposite leaves, and volatile oils that make many fragrant or flavorful. Most mints are easy to grow, sometimes notoriously so, and highly resistant to pests and diseases, which adds to their garden value.
Written in a friendly and accessible style, the book features chapters on history and lore, modern uses, cultivation, and distinctive characteristics and classification, a catalog of species and cultivars in 67 genera, and a glossary. Among the genera discussed are Ajuga (bugleweed), Calamintha (calamint), Lavandula (lavender), Mentha (mint), Nepeta (catmint), Ocimum (basil), Origanum (oregano), Rosmarinus (rosemary), Salvia (sage), Satureja (savory), Teucrium (germander), and Thymus (thyme).
Mints will be a fascinating book for anyone interested in herbs, whether for their culinary value or their ornamental offerings. Both professional and amateur gardeners will benefit from this concise, factual, and informative treatment of the mint family, which is sure to have a place on every herb enthusiast's bookshelf.

Genres: Gardening

239 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002