Mint flowers.

Prunella vulgaris

Self heal, a member of the mint family, is a common flower 

Colour:	Purple
Flowering:	June - September
Height:	Up to 12" (30 cm)
Family:	Labiatae

throughout Britain. It can be found in in grassland, woods and lawns.

It grows in small spreading clumps with spikes of purple/violet flowers (10-15 mm high).

As its name suggests, it is used in herbal medicine for sore throats and mouth ulcers. In the past it was used to stop bleeding. 

  Greek mythology, 'Minthe' (from where the herb gets its name 'Mentha'), was a woman who was turned into a plant by Persephone (wife of Hades, God of the Underworld) after she found out her husband was in love with her. The intention behind doing this was so people would walk all over her. However, Hades, unable to remove the curse of his wife, gave the plant a sweet aroma so that people would not destroy her.

In ancient Greece and Rome, mint was used as a perfume, a bath scent and for various medicinal and culinary purposes. Today too, mint has found a use in nearly every product known to us – food, snacks, tea, other beverages, ice-creams, cakes, chocolates (either in a soft form like the 'After Eight' chocolate or hard), sweets ('Polo', 'Tic-Tac'), toothpastes, mouth fresheners, chewing gum, inhalers and many others. In food, we use pudina in salads, curries, dips, chutneys, soups and other delicacies.

Menthol, which is extracted from mint oil is used in aromatherapy treatments, many perfumes and cosmetic products. Mint oil is environment friendly and used as an insecticide.

 apple mint stem.

 Good for colds and headaches - The mint herb and its oil is used to treat colds, coughs, headaches and vomiting. Since mint has a strong aroma, it helps in breaking up a congested nose, throat, lungs and bronchi. It also removes the mucous and phlegm that may have deposited in the respiratory tract. Hence, it can be good for asthmatic patients (check with doctors first!) and is found in various inhalers. Since mint has a soothing quality, it helps treat coughs (like 'Halls'). Balms made from mint can relieve headaches when spread on the forehead ('Vicks'). Mint helps the nervous system and so is recommended for people with migraines.

Helps in treating stomach problems - Mint has an antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract and relaxes the muscles around the intestines, so, it is effective in fighting indigestion, heartburn, stomach pains and gas. Nausea and dizziness too can be dealt with by this herb. Inhaling the oil or crushed mint leaves will make you feel better.

Good for the skin - Mint contains a number of beneficial elements which make it useful for the skin. Face masks, lotions and body creams contain mint and help the skin feel fresh and rejuvenated. You can also say bye-bye to acne, pimples, blackheads and clogged pores when using mint-based face creams. Crushed pudina leaves are used to treat insect bites because of the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of mint. The herb also cleanses the blood.

Great for the teeth - There is a reason (besides flavour) that makes mint an important ingredient in toothpastes and mouth-fresheners. It is germicidal and reduces the growth of bacteria in the mouth. It is effective in treating ulcers, swollen gums and toothaches. Plus, it gives you great 'minty' fresh breath!

Helps in building immunity - Mint keeps the body safe from infections and bacteria. When used in tea, the added nutrients of both (phosphorus, calcium, Vitamins B, C, D and E) all contribute to a stronger immune system.

Other benefits - Mint eases cramps during menstruation and when heated and applied on aching joints, the leaves do wonders in relieving pain and discomfort.
For more details, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentha

Mint  belongs to the family 'Lamiaceae' and is found in the regions of Europe, Western and Central Asia, the eastern Himalayas, eastern Siberia and in North America. It grows best in moist soil and wet climates. The leaves of the mint plant come in twos and are located opposite each other. They can be grayish green, dark green, purple, pale yellow or even blue in colour. The flowers vary from pale purple to white and pink and are found in clusters along the mint stem. Mint comes in different varieties such as peppermint, spearmint, apple mint etc. Its appealing quality is its cool, refreshing, bitter-sweet taste that makes you feel good in many ways.

Solidago flowers.

 solidago flower plant branch.

solidago belongs to the Asteraceae, Aster family being commonly named Goldenrod or Golden Fleece. The flower is widely used in garden-style arrangements and serves as great filler. It comes into hardy herbaceous perennials. The flower’ hallmark are miniature yellow or whitish-yellow flowers which grow on panicled or racemed plumes.

 worker bee collecting pollen.

 solidago flowers bloomings.

The flower originates from North America, South America and Europe. Solidago’s name  comes from two Latin words ‘solido’, meaning "to strengthen or make whole," and ‘ago’, meaning "to make." The name is referred to the medicinal characteristics the flower possesses.

It is available at any season of the year. If cut it may last for 7-10 days.

This yellow-colored bloom is outstanding filler in every style of floral arrangement and design. In addition it may be dried and used as a lovely addition to any arrangements. 

Ranunculus flowers.

 Deep red ranunculus flowers.

 Double shade yellow orange ranunculus flower.

 Orange ranunculus flower.

Ranunculus or Persian buttercup is an interesting little bulb. You can see in the picture what this bulb looks like and the most important tip is before planting, try soaking the corms for about an hour in warmish water and keep them quite damp for the first few days after planting.After a few days, they are fine on their own and need no special care. Most of the bulbs you will find in stores are now hybrids of one kind or another and are good garden performers.

How to Plant Ranunculus

I note they look like an octopus with their arms hanging down from the sides. If you're concerned about such things, let these hang down when you plant them. If you're really not sure which way is up and you want to give the plant a headstart, wrap it in damp (not soaking) paper towel or a cloth and put into a plastic bag. Put this bag in the crisper of the frig and wait a few days until you see roots coming out.

Plant Details

Flower colour: white, yellow, pink, gold, orange, red and mixed
Flowering period: July - August
Average plant height: 30 - 60 cm
Planting depth to base of bulbs: 2 - 5 cm
Spacing between bulbs: 8 cm
Type of bulb: corm with fleshy thickened roots (called 'claws')

Light Requirements

Light requirements: full sun, you can give it morning shade but by noon the ranunculus has to be in full sun if you want to see blooms. If in doubt, give it more sun.

Where to Use

Landscape uses: This is a great general flower bulb for the perennial flower border and general flower beds. It also makes an excellent cut flower.

Storing Overwinter

Store the corms extremely dry and cool over the winter.

Bloom Time and Hardiness

In general, we're looking at a USDA zone 8-11 hardiness rating and spring blooming for a month (approximate).

Potted Flowers

I've received several queries about purchasing this bulb as a potted flower.

Flower length of time is roughly the same as in the ground - that is, about a month (give or take)


Will it flower all summer?Not a chance. See above.

What do I do with it after it blooms?Grow it like any other bulb until the foliage fades. Then see storage above until next season.