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A Stroll Through the Mint Patch

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Some plants don’t just grow… they take over in the most delightful way.

That’s peppermint this year in my garden—lush, overflowing, and impossible to ignore. And right in the middle of it all is Ihana, our Finnish Lapphund (aka “Lappy”), proudly helping me harvest… and occasionally sampling a leaf when she thinks I’m not looking.

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A Little Local Magic

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Peppermint isn’t just a garden favorite—it’s part of our local Oregon story. Much of the world’s peppermint for teas and oils is grown across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, where the climate creates that crisp, cooling intensity we all love. I first discovered this while touring CELESTIAL SEASONINGS Tea when at a dog show in Boulder Colorado, years ago. A must do!!!

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Why Mint Earns Its Place

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• Keeps producing with regular snipping
• Naturally fragrant and refreshing
• Helps deter insects like mosquitoes and ants
• Strong scent may discourage rodents
• Loved by pollinators when flowering
• Perfect for containers (unless you want a full takeover!)

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Simple Mint Ideas from the Kitchen

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Fresh Mint Chutney (Bright & Zippy)

A perfect dipping sauce for veggies, grilled meats, or warm flatbread.

You’ll need:

• 1 packed cup fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup cilantro (optional but lovely)
• 1–2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lime or lemon
• 1 small green chili (optional)
• Salt to taste
• A splash of water to blend

Blend until smooth and adjust to your taste. A pinch of sugar is a nice addition
Fresh, vibrant, and full of garden energy.

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Easy Mint Add-Ins

• Toss chopped mint into green salads for a bright lift
• Add to balsamic vinaigrettes (especially with tender spring greens)
• Stir into fruit salads—watermelon + mint is magic
• Drop into sparkling water, iced tea or lemonade
• Brew a simple fresh mint tea (hot or iced)
• Sprinkle over roasted vegetables for a fresh finish

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A Patch Worth Wandering

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There’s something about mint that invites you to slow down. To reach out, brush the leaves, breathe it in… and maybe stay a little longer than you planned.

In my garden, it’s become a place of simple joy—where the scent hangs in the air, the basket fills quickly, and a certain Lappy named Ihana reminds me that harvesting is always better when it’s shared.

And if a few leaves go missing along the way… well, that’s just part of the story

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A SOOT-NOTE for Dog Lovers

Fresh spearmint and peppermint leaves are safe for dogs in small amounts.
However, English pennyroyal mint should always be avoided, as it can make dogs very sick.

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