Mention mint, and its refreshing fragrance and flavor come to mind. Peppermint brings zest to candies.

A bed of orange mint scents the night air.

Freshly cut leaves of spearmint add a delicious coolness to iced teas and mint juleps. Recent research has shown that the aroma of mint may help to improve concentration.

The unmistakably cool fragrance and flavor from the volatile oils of mint is familiar in products that we all use, such as toothpaste, cough drops and chewing gum. Varying degrees of menthol contained in the different types of mints are what give their warm taste and smell.

The Romans ate mint because they believed it would augment their intelligence. Roman soldiers carried mint with them for use as a kitchen herb and medicinally—wounds were washed and dressed with mint.

Eventually the use of mint spread throughout all of Europe.

Mint was a common plant in cloister gardens of the Middle Ages and planted in the kitchen and the medicinal garden.

Uses included teeth whitener, cure for mouth ulcers, to heal the bites from a rabid dog, as wasp sting relief, to prevent curdled milk, and to repel mice and rats.

Of all of the uses, the only one that probably worked was its use in soothing wasp stings—today, many folks similarly use toothpaste on the stings.

Interestingly enough, it was also believed that if mint were placed next to an ailing beehive, the bees would become strengthened and well. In light of the recent news regarding the decline in the bee population, perhaps we should look to the past.

Mints are foolproof and referred to as “the plant for black thumbs.”

Speaking of thumbs, one rule to follow is to plant mint in a spot where it can creep without disturbing other plants in the garden. Mint is aggressive, spreading by stolons, or runners.

One plant can grow to cover a four-foot wide area in one year, but don’t let mint’s wandering ways deter you from including some in your landscape.

Physical barriers, such as containers or brick flowerbeds can help to keep mint contained. Large flowerpots are also wonderful homes for mint.

Versatile mint will grow well in partial shade to full sun making it an excellent choice for almost any part of the garden.

In general, most mints prefer rich, moist soils, so consider adding compost or other organic material to the planting area.

Fertilize with a slow-release formula every few months during the growing season or water with liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks to encourage healthy leaves.

Harvest the foliage of mint anytime. The cut sprigs will keep for several days in a vase or jar of water. Drying mint is another way to preserve it.

Due to its prolific growth habit, you’ll no doubt have some to share with friends soon

Just be sure to enlighten them on mint’s wandering ways.

Traci Maier writes a weekly column about gardening in the Miss-Lou. She can be reached by e-mail at ratmaier@bellsouth.net.