Essentially the Only One

Mint is notorious for spreading well and quickly.

Mint also will keep ants away. As well as smell heavenly.

Gorgeous photo, Richard!

Didn't know that about mint keeping ants away.



Not that I have any ants.

Pennyroyal keeps fleas away, Edward. And basil helps keep flies away.

White vinegar will also keep ants away, but it doesn't smell as good as mint.

Anything for keeping pesky neighbors away?

Dogs. Really. Big. Dogs.

Well, looks like I'm out of luck.

There is a tropical flower from S. America, I believe that is called a Carrion Plant. Forget the Latin name. But it smells like roadkill. Truly. We had one in Vaughan Conservatory when I was taking Horticulture. Flies pollinate it, hence the smell of dead animal to attract the flies. I think the smell of several of those flowers around the outside entrance would keep neighbors, salesmen, cable guy and even policemen away from your door. They truly stink like decomposing animal.

Uh...speaking for myelf at least, I think I'll pass.

Although it does make for a great story! Thanks!

Goodness gracious!! Sir Richard, this is so lovely! I wanna paint this...

That looks like the flower of Horehound, which belongs to the mint family. Do you know what it is Richard?

*purposely skips joke on the word 'horehound'*

I started to put a w in front of it just for you Edward. Actually, when I was taking Horticulture, I got very interested in Herbs and Perennials, and they are still interests of mine. I have several books on Herbal medicine and Nature's Pharmacy, and the like. Herbs are fascinating. I believe that if we would still use them as God intended, we wouldn't have the bad after effects that nearly all synthesized drugs have. They are much safer with no lasting effects if used correctly. Know why the USDA won't approve them? Because it can't control the growing of or use, same reason they do not legalize marijuana---can't control it.

I'm just trying to keep my fern Fred alive. He's not looking so good right now.

Needs high humidity, fish emulsion fertilizer, good strong light with no hot sun, barely moist at all times.

May go dormant or semi-dormant during cold months. Don't overwater, especially through winter.

And don't fertilize through late fall and winter. Start fertilizing again when starts growing in spring.

Thanks Linda. I think I'll do a post tomorrow (or I guess later today at this point and you can tell me what you think.

Errrr. yes this Friday...

Actually, you guys, I think it's eupatorium fistulosum, or Joe Pye weed, which is indeed a medicinal plant, but not, as far as I can tell, related to mint. I planted some once, and it has taken over, as Richard says. Blooms in the fall, which is nice, and plainly needs no cultivation. Butterflies seem to like it.

Must be a cultivar because the original Joe Pye Weed has pink flowers. And it is very pretty. Haven't seen the blue form before.