Herb - Peppermint
The Peppermint, 'Mentha silvestris crispa', is a spreading plant with numerous upright shoots that may reach a height of 2 feet. Dark green leaves are produced from reddish stems. Peppermint grows best in moist soils. Peppermint makes a refreshing herbal tea. Use 2 TBSP of fresh or 1 TBSP dried for each cup of tea and steep for 5 minutes. The aromatic foliage has a classic peppermint flavor. Use fresh leaves in salads and iced teas. To control vigourous spreading habit of mints plant in containers sunk into the ground. Peppermint blooms in the summer. Plant in sun or partial sun. Allow about 18-24" between plants in beds or borders. Water 2-3 times per week until established. Peppermint is thought to have and is frequently used to relieve stomach and bowel spasms and promote the expulsion of flatus. Herbal users promote drinking peppermint tea during meals or after meals to aid digestion. Lots of fresh mint leaves, chopped with some whole for garnish, improves every fruit salad and most green salads. ... additional information
Dahlia - Dahlietta Margaret The Dahlia Dahlietta Margaret, 'Dahlia pinnata' is a small, charming annual that blooms profusely through the summer with beautiful yellow flowers. Growing to 10 inches tall, they can be used as splashes of color throughout the garden, in your window boxes, or in other containers. Plant them in full sun and keep evenly moist.
