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Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

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Common Name: Pennyroyal (Flowering mint), squaw mint. mosquito plant, pennyrile, pudding grass

Origin: Europe, North Africa & Middle East

Propagation: Propagation is by root division or cuttings, which easily root in water. Easily grown by seed.

Perennial, ground cover, leaves to 2cm, creeping stems. In spring/summer the dainty whorls of lavender flowers on 30cm stems, stand upright and make a striking display. The whole plant is intensively aromatic, similar to peppermint but much stronger. Pennyroyal is shallow rooting and does not sucker underground as profusely as other mints. Often is used between pavers or as a lawn, but it must have ample water in dry spells to keep it lush. After flowering mow off the flower stems.

Pennyroyal can be applied to the skin the kill germs, keep insects away and treat skin diseases. Pennyroyal oil is used as a flea repellent for cats & dogs.

*not to be ingested

Vietnamese Mint (Persicaria odorata)

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Common Name: Rau Rau, Rau Ram, Vietnamese Coriander, Lemon Coriander, Daun Laksa

Origin: Native to Asia

Propagation: Propagation is by root division or cuttings, which easily root in water

Perennial, spreading plant grows to 1m height with small pink flowers. The plant may also be grown in water or moist soil – in sun or shade.

Prune/harvest regularly to keep your plant looking great.

Leaves have a hot, pungent, biting flavour and small amounts are great in salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, casseroles, meat and noodle dishes.

Yarrow

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Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Common Name: Soldiers Woundwort, Staunch Blood, Carpenter’s Woundwort, Knight’s Milfoil, Nosebleed, Bloodwort, Old Man’s Pepper, Noble Yarrow, Thousand Leaf, Thousand Seal, Old Man’s Pepper, Devil’s Nettle

Origin: Native to the northern hemisphere

Propagation: Root division or seed

A perennial, ground spreading herb with fragrant fern-like leaves 5-20cm long. Flower stems (white) are 30-60cm in length, often used in dried floral arrangements.

Yarrow will grow in sun or part shade and spreads easily in rich, loose soil. It seems to have a beneficial impact on other herbs and plants nearby as well as attracting beneficial insects, including ladybirds and predatory wasps. Yarrow also has insect repelling properties and can be used with other herbs as a spray on plants. It is also a great addition to your compost heap, working as an ‘activator’ of the composting process.

Prune after flowering.

Fresh yarrow leaves have a peppery taste and can be finely chopped and a little-used in salads, cheese dips or as a garnish. Leaves can even be steamed as used like spinach. Dried leaves, when powdered, add a pepper-like flavouring to your meals.

Herb Robert (Geranium Robertianum)

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Common Name: St Robert, Storkbill, Cranesbill, Red Robin, Fox geranium, St Robert’s Wort, Bloodwort, Felonwort, Dragon’s Blood, Herb Robert

Plant: All year roundHerb-Robert

Harvest: All year round

Propagation: Propagation by seed

It is believed the herb was probably named after the 11th Century French Saint, Robert Abbot of Molerne, whose medical skills were legendary. Dies off in Summer to return in Winter (Sub-tropics). Annual 30-40cm, red stems and branches in many directions with green leaves 6cm length, both covered with tiny hairs. Dainty, bright-pink flowers with 5 rounded petals, each with a streak of white. Seeds self-disperse as mother plant dies. Plants enjoy shady, damp places especially stone paths. Has been observed to have an affinity with other plants and is not bothered by pests.

“If bothered by mosquitos when working in the garden, crush a few Herb Robert leaves and rub them on arms and legs.” (Isabell Shipard)

There are MANY health benefits attributed to Herb Robert and it makes a wonderful herbal tea.

Dogbane

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Plectranthus caninus OR Coleus canina
Aka “Scardy Cat Plant” “Piss Off Plant”

Origin: East Africa and Southern Asia

Plant: All year round in warm climates

Propagate: Cuttings

Perennial ground cover originating from East Africa and Southern Asia. Anecdotal evidence supports the claim it deters cats and dogs but it has been seen to outgrow and over time eliminate Nut Grass (Anne Gibson, Microgardener).
Dogbane likes hot, dry and sunny conditions providing a superb display of lavender coloured flowers in Winter and sporadically throughout the year. When dried it can be added to a Pot Pourri mix.
Grows to a height of around 30cm with 1.2m width. Easy to propagate from cuttings and doesn’t require harvesting.

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