Nepeta cataria attracts pet cats, and causes them to rub on the plant, roll on the ground, drool, be sleepy or anxious, or consume much of the plant. Catnip has a history of human medicinal use for its soothing properties. It has also been known to have a slightly numbing effect. The plant has been consumed as a tea, juice, tincture, infusion or poultice. Nepetalactone is a mosquito and fly repellent. Catnip oil is a repellent against mosquitoes, cockroaches and termites.
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Nepeta cataria attracts pet cats, and causes them to rub on the plant, roll on the ground, drool, be sleepy ... more

Chives belong to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic. They are a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial growing to about 10-12 inches tall. They grow in clumps from underground bulbs and produce round, hollow leaves that are much finer than onion. In mid-summer, they produce round, pink flowers similar in appearance to clover. Chives prefer a full sun location and are tolerant of a wide variety of soils but will grow best in soils that are high in organic matter. Chives are most commonly propagated by dividing the clumps in early spring. Clumps should contain about 4-6 bulbs. Plants that are harvested frequently benefit from supplemental fertilizer during the season. Chives can self-sow and overtake a garden unless flowers are removed before they fade. Chives also make attractive edging in the perennial border and flowers can be cut for arrangements.
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Chives belong to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic. They are a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial growing to about ... more

French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa) is the commonly grown temperate-zone tarragon, with a sweet anise flavor, used for culinary purposes. Clip the leaves into salads and on top of soups, to flavor sauces, or with shellfish, fish, chicken, and turkey. French tarragon plants grow up to 24 inches high and 12 inches wide in two years. The leaves are narrow, up to 2 inches long, and have a fresh green color. The flowers are tiny, pale green, and sterile. Don't confuse it with Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides), a close relative which has no flavor. Tarragon is not particular about temperature and can be grown from Zone 2 to Zone 9. Tarragon’s roots must have fast-draining soil to prevent rot. Plant tarragon in a raised bed where good drainage is ensured. Divide tarragon in late winter or early spring. Young plants need to be watered every other day during dry weather. Mature plants should be watered every three days to encourage a continual supply of fresh leaves. Mature plants can survive for long periods without water, but under these conditions they will not grow new leaves. Although average to good garden soil is adequate for tarragon, top-dress with compost every winter to ensure that plants growing for six or seven years do not lose their flavor. If your soil is acidic, tarragon benefits from an application of dolomite for alkalinity and magnesium. Container growing is easy and works well for one season, but the roots soon take up the space of all but the largest container, and the leaves lose flavor. We have had no problems from pests and diseases and theorize that the anise flavor works as a repellent. Cut back in June for a continuous harvest. Preserve the leaves in vinegar, or chop and freeze tarragon in water in ice cube trays. However you handle it, tarragon in the kitchen is a delight, as its delicate flavor complements many foods.
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French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa) is the commonly grown temperate-zone tarragon, with a sweet anise flavor, used for culinary ... more

"Phenomenal" Lavender has it all: exceptionally tolerant of both high heat and harsh winter, this easy-to-grow lavender even shows resistance to the effects of humidity. Highly fragrant with concentrated essential oils, "Phenomenal"'s spikes of purple-blue flowers attract butterflies and bees to the garden. Edible, deer-resistant and fast-growing, this silver-leafed lavender has left all other new introductions in the dust! (Lavandula x intermedia) A superior plant for hot, dry slopes and banks, rock gardens, and natural rocky outcroppings. Good in Mediterranean style gardens, traditional mixed borders, and large artistic pots. Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained, alkaline soils in full sun. Used in perfumes, sachets, oils and for medicinal purposes. Used to deter insects when placed in a closet or room. Attracts butterflies. Remove faded flowers to promote continued bloom. Prune to shape in spring after new leaves appear. Prune back to 8” in spring every 3 years to control plant size and to promote robust, new growth.
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"Phenomenal" Lavender has it all: exceptionally tolerant of both high heat and harsh winter, this easy-to-grow lavender even shows resistance ... more

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), considered a "calming" herb, is a member of the mint family. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, & improve appetite. Nowadays it is used extensively as a mosquito repellant and to attract bees. Chewing a leaf will freshen your breath, or you can soothe a bug bite by placing a leaf of lemon balm on it. It's delicious sprinkled on fruit salad, mixed into muffins, or made into tea. Use it to flavor water or butter. Vigorous grower with scent of lemon.
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Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), considered a "calming" herb, is a member of the mint family. It was used as far ... more

Lemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Asian cuisines and also as medicinal herb in India. It has a subtle citrus flavor and can be dried and powdered, or used fresh. It is commonly used in teas, soups, and curries. It is also suitable for use with poultry, fish, beef, and seafood. It is often used as a tea in African countries such as Togo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Latin American countries such as Mexico. Lemongrass oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative. Research shows that lemongrass oil has antifungal properties. In the garden, lemongrass forms a tall, grassy clump 3 to 5 feet tall. Its appearance rivals that of many ornamental grasses and can easily fulfill a similar role in the landscape. Due to its tropical nature, lemongrass usually only survives winters in zones 8 and warmer. In middle Tennessee, try growing lemongrass as an annual in planting beds or tucked into pots. This citrus-flavored grass overwinters well in a dormant state in a cool, dark spot indoors, or you can grow it as an indoor herb through winter in colder zones. Harvest lemongrass for its bulbous stem bases, rich with lemony flavor, or clip leaves for infusing tea and soup stock. Start harvesting as soon as plants are 12 inches tall and stem bases are at least ½-inch thick. Cut stalks at ground level, or hand-pull entire stalks. You want to get the entire swollen base, which resembles a scallion or green onion. If a few roots come up with the stalk, don’t worry: It won’t harm the plant. The edible portion of lemongrass is near the bottom of the stalk. Carefully cut off the grassy top part of the plant; use caution, as this can be razor-sharp at times. Leaves can be bundled and added to the liquid in a teapot or stock pot, then simmered to infuse lemon flavor into the brew. Take the lemongrass base and peel the outer fibrous layer to expose the inner white, reedy part. To store, freeze this part either whole or chopped. To make slicing easier, first crush the stem base with the flat blade of a knife. The heart of the stalk (the part you want) has the consistency of soft butter and will then slice easily.
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Lemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Asian cuisines and also as medicinal herb in India. It has ... more

Plant Chocolate Mint in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall 2 to 3 weeks before your first frost and have beautiful well-established, rapidly growing plants come up in the spring! It is easy to grow, & spreads rapidly. Water regularly until well established and provide about a half day of sun. When first frost approaches mulch to protect from the winter weather. The leaves of the Chocolate Mint plant die back in winter, and the plant resprouts early the next spring. It is virtually care-free. This is a very strong mint used for teas, with a smell like a peppermint patty. Add fresh leaves to strawberries for a special treat! It's great dried and added to black tea or used by itself.
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Plant Chocolate Mint in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall 2 to 3 weeks before your ... more

Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though this is a wonderful mint variety for culinary and tea purposes, to avoid confusion, it is not the mint most commonly used to make the famous mint julep drink, which is Kentucky Colonel Spearmint. Easy to grow. Perennial zone 4-9.
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Mentha spicata. Mint Julep is a popular variety of Spearmint with small aromatic leaves smelling much like mint julep. Though ... more

Monarda citriodora is a member of the mint family. Some other common names for lemon bee balm plants are purple horsemint, lemon mint, plains horsemint, and horsemint. Lemon bee balm is an herbaceous annual native to the central and southern U.S. and northern Mexico. It’s fairly common along roads and in pastures or prairies in these areas. Lemon mint grows to about 30 inches (76 cm.) and produces tight, spike-shaped clusters of lavender flowers. There are several good reasons to grow lemon bee balm plants in your garden. Many gardeners choose this plant for its ability to attract pollinators and for its delightful, lemony aroma. As an herb, it also has some culinary uses. The leaves add a lemon flavor to cooked foods, salads, and teas. They can also be used in potpourri mixes.
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Monarda citriodora is a member of the mint family. Some other common names for lemon bee balm plants are purple ... more

Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has a citrus-lime scent and flavor. Good tea mint or served with fruit punch, margaritas or other drinks. Easy to grow perennial hardy in zones 4-9.
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Lime mint is a culinary mint variety with large dark green rounded leaves and tall upright growth habit. It has ... more