I've been growing some mint on the windowsill this summer which has managed to keep fly activity down to a minimum thankfully. (It really does work!)
My herb knowledge is pretty limited, as I was unaware that it flowered - producing these delicate purple/pink blossoms.
Some interesting Mentha (Mint) facts for you:
While the species that make up the Mentha genus are widely distributed and can be found in many environments, most Mentha grow best in wet environments and moist soils. Mints will grow 10–120 cm tall and can spread over an indeterminate area. Due to their tendency to spread unchecked, mints are considered invasive.
All mints prefer, and thrive in, pools of water, lakes, rivers, cool, moist spots in partial shade. In general, mints tolerate a wide range of conditions, and can also be grown in full sun.
Mints are supposed to make good companion plants, repelling pest insects and attracting beneficial ones.
Alcoholic drinks sometimes feature mint for flavor or garnish, such as the mint julep and the mojito. Crème de menthe is a mint-flavored liqueur used in drinks such as the grasshopper.
Mint essential oil and menthol are extensively used as flavorings in breath fresheners, drinks, antiseptic mouth rinses, toothpaste, chewing gum, desserts, candies and mint chocolate.
Menthol from mint essential oil (40–90%) is an ingredient of many cosmetics and some perfumes. Menthol and mint essential oil are also much used in medicine as a component of many drugs, and are very popular in aromatherapy. Menthol is also used in cigarettes as an additive, because it blocks out the bitter taste of tobacco and soothes the throat.
Known in Greek mythology as the herb of hospitality, one of mint's first known uses in Europe was as a room deodorizer.
Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains, and it is commonly used in the form of tea as a home remedy to help alleviate stomach pain.
Amazing the stuff you find out just by taking a picture eh?
i agree totally - the first shot was lovely, but the delicate pink flowers stand out so much better without the rays. Love the pink and the yellow together.
lovely shot, and after having read your narrative, am going to start some in my home, too. it is so pretty and since i often have chest pain i believe this could be so beneficial to me and besides, i so enjoy a touch of mint in my tea. i have also been learning how to extract essential oils because i am growing lavender for the first time so this will be a wonderful addition to my herbs. thank you for sharing!
Thanks to all that commented on the previous photo and after much thought I decided to upload this version without the added rays.