Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Sunday, July 1, 2018

How To Grow Catmint...

Catmint Herb: How To Grow Catmint Mint By: Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden Printer Friendly Version Image by Gardening Know How, via Nikki Tilley By Nikki Tilley (Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden) 




   Catmint is an aromatic herb that is commonly grown in the garden. It produces clusters of lavender-blue flowers amid mounds of gray-green foliage. This easily grown plant has an interesting history regarding its various uses in the landscape. For example, the herb is thought to have been first cultivated in the Roman town of Nepeti, where it was used as herbal tea and insect repellent. This is also believed to be the origin of its genus name, Nepeta.  

    Many people wonder what is the difference between catnip and catmint. While basically considered the same plant that shares many of the same characteristics, there are differences between the two species. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) has less ornamental value in the garden than its catmint (Nepeta mussinii) counterpart. Catnip is also found to be highly attractive to cats, with many of them exhibiting a naturally induced euphoria around the plant. They may nibble on it or even roll around in the foliage. 

   This type is most suitable for “cat friendly” gardens. If you don’t want your garden overrun with felines, plant catmint instead, which is much less attractive to them. How to Grow Catmint Catmint herb is easy to grow. These plants are good for mass planting or edging and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent—especially aphids and Japanese beetles. Catmint can be grown in sun or partial shade with average, well-draining soil. They are even heat and drought tolerant, making them excellent plants for dry garden areas. Catmint is most often grown by seed or through division. How & When to Plant Catmint The seeds or divisions of catmint plant are planted in spring. They require plenty of space too and should be spaced (or thinned) to at least a foot or so apart. Overcrowded plants can lead to powdery mildew or leaf spot, especially in hot, humid climates. 

   Caution is needed when planting some types of catmint plants, as they can be aggressive growers. Therefore, you may want to add some edging around them. Likewise, catmint can be planted and grown in containers. Care of Catmint Basic care of catmint is easy. Water catmint plants regularly until they become well established. Mulch will help retain moisture and keep down weeds. Once plants are a few inches tall, pinch them back to promote bushier growth. Catmint blooms throughout summer and fall. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. It can also help prevent reseeding. Faassen’s catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is sterile however, and doesn’t require deadheading. Shear the plants back to half their size in fall or following harvest. Harvesting and Uses of Catmint Herb Catmint can be used fresh, dried, or frozen for both culinary and herbal use. Harvest leaves as flowers begin to bloom, cutting top leaves, stems, and flowers if desired. Spread out to dry in a cool, ventilated area and store the dried herb in an airtight container or bag to preserve its potency. The leaves and shoots can be added to soups and sauces. Tea made from the leaves and flowers can be used for calming nerves and relieving coughs, congestion, and menstrual cramps.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Catmint Herb: How To Grow Catmint https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/mint/catmint-plant.htm

Pierre, The Black Cat, --- "Tails of Hope"...

Baba The Blind Cat, --- "Tails of Hope"...

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

The Godfather's Cat, --- [Wrong translation, of course, but I loved it!] =^_^=

Happy Cat Purring Smoothly, - Comforting Sounds for Sleeping & Relaxation...



Cat purrs are within the decibel range for healing.  :D  :D  :D...  =^_^=  In the famous first scene of the movie "The Godfather" the cat on Marlon Brando's lap was purring so loudly that his purrs had to be muffled in the soundtrack or the dialogue couldn't be heard clearly.   The cat was a stray who wandered on to the set an Marlon picked him up to so he could act in the scene.

Thursday, March 1, 2018

A Den Of Purring Kittens... [Adorable!!!]...



A cat's purr is actually within the vibrations to heal.  And, did you know that if a cat can roar he/she doesn't purr...  Lions don't purr, but cougars do!!!  <3 <3 <3  :D :D :D

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Territorial Behavior! - Simon's Cat/ Logic...



My cat Yurowichii is very territorial.  She ABSOLUTELY claims my lap, --- often, swiping and growling to scare off my other cats!!!...  But, she's so darling that I just put up with it.


Featured Post...

Mark Twain Rents Cats...

~ From Elaine Lombardi.