Seattle garden design with a fresh mint taste

Mint is easy to grow in a Seattle garden and delicious to use in the kitchen. How about a recipe for fresh Mint Pesto?

How many varieties of mint can be grown in residential gardens? ... I've lost count, but I know growing mint in your garden to use in the home is a fresh way to enhance any Seattle garden design.

Growing mint is almost too easy in the Seattle area. Mint is a beautiful plant that likes our wet climate and grows so well in Seattle residential gardens that gardeners often have to find creative ways to contain it. It is considered invasive so you may find it necessary to plant it in a large pot and bury the pot in the ground. Using a border around the plant usually is not effective enough to control its growth as it spreads from the roots. Growing mint is also successful in large pots on a deck or patio. Try to select a sunny area when planting mint -- it prefers sun, but will tolerate some shade.

Not all mint varieties are the same. They are almost all perennials and have a uniquely square stem, but the colors of foliage range from various shades of green, purple, blue and even yellow. The flowers are usually white with a touch of purple.

One reason why growing mint is so popular in residential gardens is because it grows profusely and can be harvested at any time of the year. There are dozens of reasons why planting mint in a garden design is a good idea: Fresh mint on a sandwich, in a salad, used in dessert, in drinks, as an aromatic, or...make a mint pesto. For a new twist, try mint pesto with chicken or fish.

Try this great mint pesto recipe from a Seattle gardener

Fresh Mint Pesto

• Add to food processor:
• 3 cups of mint, chopped fine
• 1 cup olive oil
• 4-6 garlic cloves
• Juice of one fresh lemon
• 1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• Add salt and pepper, if desired

Spearmint is recommended, but you should try several mint varieties and compare.

Spread on bread or crackers. If using on fish, reduce the amount of garlic used.

Environmental Construction's garden designers can help you with growing mint and choosing the right variety for your landscape or herb garden. Request a consultation for assistance with your Seattle garden design.

Category: Home and Garden