Mint: the fragrant garden invader

Mint: fragrant, fast-growing and hard to stop

It smells wonderful, grows at speed and is considered almost impossible to kill. That is precisely why it is planted in vast numbers every spring in borders, raised beds and herb containers. Yet behind its easy-going appearance lies a plant that spreads like a quiet conqueror, crowds out other plants and can eventually turn a garden into a monoculture territory.

Why so many gardeners fall for mint

The appeal for low-maintenance gardeners: evergreen, tough and fragrant

This plant is mint – whether classic peppermint, Moroccan mint or apple mint. For beginners, it sounds like the ideal way to start a home herb patch. It is hardy, does not hold a forgotten watering can against you, and rewards every touch with an intense, fresh scent.

Why mint appears to be the perfect choice

When planning the vegetable garden for the coming season in late winter, people often look for exactly these kinds of “reliable” plants. Mint meets several wishes at once:

• it grows quickly and fills gaps in the bed