Marvelous Mints

Join us as we at Betterlisten embark on a journey with Susun Weed as she leads us through the enchanting world of her garden, unveiling the profound healing properties of plants within the Mint family. Officially known as Lamiaceae, this botanical clan encompasses some of the most cherished and essential plants for both gardens and culinary pursuits worldwide. With over 200 genera and 6,000 species, the Mint Family boasts a diverse array of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees, each offering a delightful trifecta of beauty, flavor, and fragrance. Recognizable by their square stems, opposite leaves, tiny flowers, and aromatic oils, these plants not only tantalize the senses but also often repel pests like deer. These culinary stars, along with rosemary, savory, marjoram, sage, lemon balm, and thyme, enrich our palates and culinary experiences. Basil and mint alone offer an extensive spectrum of varieties, from traditional peppermint to exotic flavors like chocolate and pineapple. In garden design, the Lamiaceae family thrives, from groundcovers like bugleweed to towering salvias and Russian sage. Lavender, skullcap, hyssop mint, and many others grace landscapes with their beauty and fragrance, while also providing essential habitat and sustenance for pollinators like bees. Beyond their culinary and ornamental uses, Mint Family members have played crucial roles in perfumery, traditional medicine, and household products for centuries. Lavender, with its timeless appeal, and patchouli, with its exotic allure, are just two examples of the family's aromatic treasures. From the garden to the kitchen, from the medicine cabinet to the perfume bottle, the Mint Family's influence is ubiquitous, enriching every facet of our lives with its abundance and diversity. Join Susun Weed as she unveils the wonders of this extraordinary botanical lineage, inviting us to explore and appreciate its timeless gifts.