Herbs: M-P

Grows either as a shrub or small tree up to 4m. Strongly aromatic young leaves are clothed in silky hairs. Decoctions made of the leaves and preparations from the bark were used medicinally by the Maori people. A tea was made from the leaves by Captain Cook’s men and the early settlers hence the name tea tree.

Long esteemed but not scientifically proven as a successful companion plant with potatoes, roses and tomatoes. Now recent experiments in Holland have shown that eelworm can be reduced by 90% by inter-planting with French Marigold. Foliage scent is also an effective insect deterrent. Marigolds prefer a sunny, open site, preferably on a cultivated, fertile soil, but will well in most soil.

French Marigold :
Durango Bolero
Large double blooms with yellow spotted red petals on uniform plants.

Aspen mix
Very large French crested flowers sit well on deep green compact foliage.

Marigold, Pot Calendula officinalisA
From the Mediterranean, the now-common calendula, with warm, orange blossoms, is one of the finest natural antiseptics and healing herbs. Used for sprains, bruises, boils, burns, sores and varicose veins. Apply the juice to bee and wasp stings. Homeopathic remedy and cream for healing and soothing skin. Add the petals to seafood, puddings, rice and omelettes. They impart a subtle flavour, and a deep colour. Self seeds readily, but not invasive.
2 – 3 plants per pot.

Daisy faces Dwarf mixCalendula officinalis A
A wide colour range of fully double blooms with a compact habit.Tolerant of the poorest soils. 30x23cm

PorcupineCalendula officinalisA
Decorative fully double flowers with pure orange quilled petals which form spiky blooms.60cm

Indian PrinceCalendula officinalis A
Dark orange flowers with a mahogany reverse. Confetti the edible flowers thru a salad. 70cm.

Sweet MarigoldTagetes lucidaP

Used as a tarragon substitute, the sweet-smelling flowers and leaves being similar in flavour. Also makes a stimulating tea. More easily grown in wet, heavy soils than French Tarragon 30 – 45 cm. WD

The whole plant, but especially the root, contains mucilage, which is soothing and healing. It was once used to thicken marshmallow! The botanical name ‘althea’ comes from the Greek ‘altho’, which means ‘to cure’, referring to its numerous medicinal uses. Infused leaves and roots are used for dry hands, sunburn, dry hair and in facial steams, masks and lotions, and for coughs, colds and chest complaints. Enjoys a moist situation.

‘Queen of the Meadows’. Attractive, strongly scented, flower heads in creamy plumes. Used to flavour drinks. Valuable dye plant and medicinal herb. Happiest in a moist soil in part shade. Winter dormant

A delightful, truly golden-leaved form, of the traditional meadowsweet. Flowers are sweetly scented as for the species, but you may elect to remove them to encourage the golden foliage. Best in a shady, moist spot, where it can ‘glow’ to best effect. 45 cm. Large grade plants.

An important Chinese medicinal herb. Used to tone the spleen, boost and tone qi (chi). Lowers blood pressure and blood sugar, and improves circulation. Acts beneficially on kidneys, liver and endocrine system. Rare in cultivation.

An interesting Japanese culinary herb used in miso soup, salads and tempura. Easy to grow.

Once common in herb gardens, but now quite rare. Especially valuable for PMS, menstrual pain, and delayed menstruation. Helps calm the nervous system and strengthens the heart (hence the species name, cardiaca.

A pretty, bushy, border perennial, muskmallow is one of the most decorative of English wildflowers. Spikes of handsome rose-mauve flowers from midsummer to early autumn are loved by bees. Leaves emit a musky aroma in warm weather, or when pressed. Roots once used to make an ointment and soothing syrups for coughs.

Applemint M. suaveolens(syn. M.rotundifolia) P
Large, round, hairy apple/spearmint- scented, mid-green leaves. Add fresh leaves to fruit drinks, punches, salads etc. More vigorous than other mints – contain to avoid encroachment on other plants.

Thai Mint
Hairy ,pointed leaves and a mild spearmint flavour. P

Basil Mint Mentha sp.P
Looks like a cross between mint and basil. Definitely a basil-like flavour, quite pungent. Rounded, bright green leaves and a creeping habit. Very hardy with plenty of leaves for winter use.

Bergamot or Eau de CologneM. piperita ‘citrata’P
Strongly-scented of Eau de Cologne. Vigorous, branching habit, and tall-growing. Use in drinks and fresh fruit salads, and for potpourri. 45 cm.

Bowles’ Mint M. x villosaP
Alope curoides
Imported from England. Large, round, mid-green leaves and much more of a spearmint flavour than applemint. Hairiness of leaves appears to give some resistance to rust.

Chocolate MintM. PiperitaP
Mmmmm. . . . . Very interesting. A little like eau de cologne mint in appearance, but totally different in flavour! One can imagine this mint as part of chocolate desserts

Corsican or Jewel M. RequieniiP
Very low growing mint, with a strong peppermint fragrance. Tiny, filmy, bright green leaves and miniature blue flowers in summer. Ideal rock plant for a damp site, or can be used between paving stones as a ground cover.

Ginger MintM. X gentilis ‘Variegata’P
Smooth, gold-splashed leaf, with a hint of spice. Prune back to renew golden growth. Just delicious! Not as vigorous as other mints. 40 cm.

Japanese Menthol MintM. arvensis peper
To enjoy the lovely fragrance, gently rub the leaves between fingers and inhale the refreshing aroma. Use for headaches, chest congestion, hay fever, sinus colds, blocked heads. Very antiseptic for sore throats. A beautiful herb, loved by all.

Mint,‘Julep’ P
Variety used to make Kentucky’s favourite drink – Mint Julep. 30 – 90 cm.

Pennyroyal, Upright M. pulegium f. erectaP
Pennyroyal was formally used as a stuffing herb, and other culinary preparation, but it is now less used due to its pronounced peppermint scent and flavour. It was considered valuable in headaches and giddiness, as a purifier of blood and disorders due to sudden chill or cold. Pennyroyal tea is warming to the stomach, but large doses should be avoided when pregnant or suffering from kidney disorders. Possesses insect repellent properties. Upright to 30 cm.

Pennyroyal ProstrateM. pulegium f. Pdecumbens HM28
Forms a fragrant, peppermint scented carpet, which thrives in damp, shady places, and smells beautiful when cut or walked on. Creeping to 15 cm, rooting at nodes

Peppermint (Black)M. x piperitaP HM29
Vibrant green leaves with a strong, peppermint scent. Purple stems.

Red Spearmint M.smithiane (syn.M. rarifolia rubra)P
A delicious form of spearmint, particularly suitable for making mint sauce. The dark red leaves contrast well.

Spearmint M. Spicata
Spearmint is a valuable herb for stopping vomiting during pregnancy. It is gentle enough to use for colic in babies, while aiding in curing colds, flu, and gas.

Variegated Applemint M. suaveolens ‘variegata’

syn. Pineapple Mint(syn. M. rotundifolia var.)
Soft, downy leaves, with splashes of yellowish-white, nd a refreshing, mild apple-mint flavour. Lasts longer into Winter than other mints, and not as vigorous as the common applemint. Rust resistant.

Winter MintM. CordifoliaP
Similar in flavour and aroma to M. spicata. Rich bright green leaves are rounded, slightly hairy and pebbled. Strong and vigorous, taller than spearmint.

SPECIAL: Mint Collection: 5 named varieties (my choice) $15.00

Found in the ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s summer villa near Rome. Soft, rounded, grey-green leaves have a bold mint fragrance and flavour. Grows happily in near-shingle beside our drive, and forms a rounded bush with pink flowers loved by bees. 60 cm.

Hardy American native. Pale-pink flower heads are most attractive to bees and butterflies. Does not spread. Leaves have a lovely menthol fragrance. Use like peppermint. Bee-plant. Not a true mint.

Slender, pointed leaves, attached to jointed, red stems. Sought after for its sweet, biting fragrance and hot, peppery flavour. Used in rice, vegetables, fish and meat dishes. Best in a semi-shaded, moist growing position. Will survive moderate frosts.

This small pointy leaved Aussie mint has a very strong Penny royal like aroma but a less harsh taste lending itself to culinary use.

Whirlybird mix
Free flowering with open-faced flowers carried well above the foliage.

Alaska Variegated mix
A must for those who like variegated plants is this fascinating dwarf nasturtium.

Top Flowering Lemon Yellow
Golden lemon flowers – abundant bloomer

Top Flowering Black Velvet
Compact plants covered with velvety-black flowers. A colour unique in nasturtiums

Empress of India
Old classic variety. Foliage is a dark bluish green with the flowers an intense crimson-scarlet

Salmon Baby
Compact plants carry delightful deep salmon-rose semi-double flowers above dark green foliage

Peach Melba
Compact plants have clotted cream coloured flower petals each splashed with strawberry red. Also called strawberry and cream.

From the Greek ‘oros ganos’, meaning ‘joy-of-the-mountain’. In Greece, wild oregano covers the hillsides and fills the air with scent. The fragrance and flavour varies greatly between species and according to the soil and growing conditions. It is strongest in a well-drained soil. Known as the pizza herb, it is indispensable in Italian, Spanish and Mexican cookery. The hot, spicy flavour complements almost all tomato dishes, and is also used in egg and cheese dishes, chopped finely in salads, and in butter sauces for fish, and used for bouquet garni. Add to meat dishes in the last few minutes of cooking. Used medicinally. Winter dormant.
The following extensive collection includes both culinary and ornamental varieties
‘Acorn Bank’ O. vulgare ‘Acorn Bank’P
Mounds of fresh, bright golden foliage. Does best in shade as full sun can burn foliage. Would look fabulous around alpine strawberries or peeping under hedging herbs in the potager..

‘Compactum’O. vulgare ‘compactum’ P HO3
The perfect compact-growing origanum for the small kitchen garden or pot. Foliage is tight and dense, with well-developed flavour for Italian, Greek or Mexican cooking. Numerous pink-violet flowers through Summer. Full sun and good drainage. 20 cm.P

Dittany of Crete O.dictamnusTP HO4
Woolly leaved relative of oregano with a similar spicy scent. Soft, hairy, grey leaves. Attractive pink flowers may be steeped for tea. . Protect from frost in cold climates. Dies back to a small clump in winter. 30 cm.