A new avenue of aroma in the Sensory Gardens, Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden will refresh and invigorate visitors.
The vertical gardens have been re-designed by Council to introduce water saving elements, and then filled with the aromatic Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata’ (Variegated Apple Mint) and Mentha x piperita f. citrata (Basil Mint). These plants combine with Mentha x piperita (Peppermint) growing at the base of the walls, to fill the air with scent when their leaves are disturbed.
Mentha (also known as mint, from Greek míntha) is a genus of plants in the family Lamiaceae. There are roughly 13 to 18 different species. Precise classification is made difficult by natural hybridization between some species. There are also numerous cultivars.
The genus is widely distributed across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and North America.
Mints are almost exclusively perennial. Leaf colours range from dark green and grey-green to purple, blue, and sometimes pale yellow. The flowers are white to purple.
It is one of the most widely used culinary and medicinal herbs in the world.
Mint may be found in European, North African, American and Asian kitchens. It is used in a wide variety of traditional dishes and beverages from Greek dolmades with yogurt-mint sauce to Touareg tea in northern Africa.
Mint essential oil and menthol (derived from the essential oil) are extensively used as flavourings in breath fresheners, drinks, antiseptic mouth rinses, toothpaste, chewing gum, desserts, mint (candy) and mint chocolate.
It has a long history of medicinal use. It was originally used to treat stomach-ache and extracts from the herb are currently used to relieve irritable bowel syndrome.
In Ancient Rome, Pliny the Elder recommended students wear a wreath of mint to “exhilarate their minds” and in ancient Greece it was known as the “hospitality herb” because it was strewn on the floor to sweeten the air.
Voices from past and present recommend a visit to this innovative, sweet smelling garden.
By Ian McAlister & Karen Hagan