Monday, July 6, 2009

Mountain Mints are Blooming

I did a post on my 2 varieties of mountain mint in the fall, and another in early spring, when it looked like the Short Toothed Mountain Mint was spreading. What I pulled didn't come back, so that's good. I read that it can be aggressive, but so far, it is not. It is a lot taller this year than it got last year, so it's a keeper if it continues to behave. Click here if you want to compare the size from last year's plant or to find links to more information about them.

The amsonia, which I trimmed after blooming, right in front of the iris and mint, is still shorter than the mint, which is what I was hoping for. There are also false sunflowers, quaking grass, spiderwort, baptisia, liatris, and goldenrod in the bed.



A closer view of the mountain mint:



Closer:



The Virginia Mountain Mint is expanding wider than I have let it in the past. I'm going to want to divide it in the fall or spring. I am glad neither one spreads like other mints, traveling far and wide.



Closer:


This shows the blooms are similar to the other.



The last 2 photos were taken this afternoon. The bees and wasps are here, but there aren't as many as last year so far.



16 comments:

  1. Wow that is pretty! I have never grown mint before. Just the weed variety(-:

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  2. Very nice and I'm glad it is behaving to. Love the garden combinations.

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  3. I love this lighter colored version of mint. very cooling.
    Your mint looks prolific! And Terrific!
    Rosey

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  4. Your garden is such a beautiful combination of different foliage and colors. Looks pretty! Cute shot of the bee.

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  5. I had never heard of mt mint until recently. I'm always looking at native plants that don't require a lot of watering. The amsonia is new to me also and I was looking at that. Nice in spring, fall and winter. Trying to see if I have a spot for it.
    Marnie

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  6. I remember your other post about this mint. Very pretty!

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  7. happy tuesday sue.
    beautiful.
    like that capture of the wasp :)

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  8. Sue, we put up somewhat similar posts! I want a Mountain Mint like yours, lol. Mine must be a different species -- it doesn't have that striking silvery color at the top. I'll have to order some from Sunlight Gardens -- they have a mint like yours.

    Your mints and garden setting are lovely.

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  9. Those are neat mints, I'm always afraid to plant mint anywhere beside a pot. Do they have the same scent and are the edible?

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  10. I love your gardening blog. I'm new to gardening and appreciate all that I can learn from you garden experts.

    As someone who enjoys photography too, I love your photos.

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  11. I'm still in shock from the way Mint is often invasive. When we moved to this home nearly 7 years ago, it had been planted by a previous owner and had overrun everything in the beds, run rampant in the walkways and down into what is now the Woodland Walk. It appears every year, but at last it's manageable and nearly Gone! The only thing I have now that ends in "mint" is Catmint (nepata). As pretty as your plants are, I'm going to be content with viewing your photos! :-)

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  12. Wow! Between your mint and sweet bay's mint, I feel like I'm missing out on something special. Silvery foliage and the white flowers make for a combination that's appealing to me. It's looking good there in NE, Sue.

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  13. I'm afraid of anything with the word "mint" in its name, but I might be willing to try this one. It's got such a cool, silvery presence. I haven't noticed whether the pollinator count is down this year, but I bet all the rain has something to do with it.

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  14. Wow, Sue, I haven't been here for awhile, and judging from your header photo, your garden has really grown and is looking lovely! I've never planted any mint before, because I've been afraid of its spreading qualities. It's good to know this variety is easier to control. I've had lots of bees in my garden this summer, but very few butterflies.

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  15. Hi Sue, I love this mint and must try to locate it for the garden...what a great look and it sure does bring nice texture to a garden. How are you doing these days? gail

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  16. Oooh, I'm liking that mountain mint. I might have to try that, since you say it isn't quite as invasive as other mints. It's so pretty!

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