HERB OF THE MONTH – JULY 2022: Doublemint

The Herb of the Month for July is Doublemint, Mentha x gracillis ‘Madeline Hill’ Doublemint is a genetic cross between Mentha arvensis (peppermint) and Mentha spicata (spearmint).  It was thought to be genetically impossible, but was cultivated in the 1950s by Madeline Hill from Hilltop Herb Farm in Texas. This …

HERB OF THE MONTH – APRIL 2022: Pinks Dianthus spp.

The Herb of the Month for April is Pinks Dianthus spp. The name of this flower comes from the Greek words for “of Zeus’. The Dianthus genus contains a large family of about 340 species or cultivars, which includes carnations, clove pinks, cottage pinks, and Sweet Williams.  Nowadays there are …

HERB OF THE MONTH – OCTOBER: MEDLAR

The Herb of the Month for October 2021 is Medlar, Mespilus germanica. Medlar is a large shrub or small tree, a cultivar of the Rosacea family, which includes members such as apples, pear,s and rose hips.  It is indigenous to Persia, southwest Asia, southeastern Europe, and Turkey.   Medlar is slow …

HERB OF THE MONTH – SEPTEMBER: Horehound

The Herb of the Month for September 2021 is Horehound, Marrubium vulgare. Horehound is a flowering cultivar from the mint family and is a native of Europe, western Asia, and north Africa.  This hardy perennial plant has been introduced to North America and Australia concurrent with colonization and will even tolerate dry …