2. Mentha: The best-known genus of the mint family is "Mentha." Mentha plants are popular additions to the herb garden because theyare widely used in cooking,especially in teas and other beverages, or as a garnish. Mints arealso attractive, easyto grow and their strong scents repel many common garden pests. On the down side, they can be invasive, so gardeners planting mint varieties should considerputting them in a separate bedor in containers to prevent themfromstrangling or pushing out other crops. There are a number of species of Mentha. The University of Illinois Extensionlists the varieties spearmint,peppermint, pineapple mint and apple mint
3. Basilicum: The species "basilicum," of the genus "Ocimum," is well-known to herb gardeners everywhere as basil. Part of the mint family, sweet basil is one of the most popularsummer homegrown herbs and, according to the WashingtonState University, it is synonymous with Italiancooking because it is such a common ingredient. Thai basil has a bit more of a spicy flavor found in Asian cuisine. Other interesting basil flavors are orange, lemon and cinnamon.
4. lavendula: lavendula, or lavender, is part of the mint family and has been prized since ancient times for its heady, relaxing aroma. It is widely grown commercially for this scent used in everythingfrom soap products to fine perfumes. In thehome herb garden, you'll find the bluish-purplebloomsas an ornamental, and dried lavender is used in wreaths, potpourri and sachets for drawers.
5. Hyssopus: Hyssop has a strg, bitter flavor that has kept it from being popular in herb gardens, but its uses date toancient Greece and it is mentioned in the Bible. HerbalistJethro Kloss, in his book "Back to Eden,"explains that this herb onwas believed to have purifyingproperties and was commonly used in ritual cleansing.Moderngardeners may consider growing hyssop if they areinterested in historic herbs, and also as a companion plant with their vegetables and ornamentals, as hyssop attractsbeneficial insects and aids in pest control.
6. Salvia: Whenvisiting gardening centers in the springtime, no doubt you'll find tables of starter plants of the genus Salvia. Salvia is part of the mint family, an annual grown throughoutNorth America for ornamental purposes. Its upright stalks sprout clusters of buds that come in a variety of colors. One speciesof salvia is found on many kitchenspice racks, known as sage. Sage is also a popularincense ingredient. American Indians used driedbundles of sage as smudge sticks for religious ceremonies.
