Mint is a survivor, a coloniser and an evangelist. He believes all should march to his intoxicating tune and sends his disciples out in waves to conquer the world. Mint is useful but always in glut. He must be confined; like an American fundamentalist and will drive out opposing views while drowning the world in his children. He would flourish unrestrained, but in reality Mint benefits from harsh treatment to bring soft new growth.Left to his own devices, Mint grows tall and woody with leaves tough as dragon's scales.
Mint had no enemy but man, until the arrival of Mint Beetle. The Green Mint Beetle is native to our isles and mainly eats Mint's wild cousins who live on the outskirts - verges, rivers, scrub land. But over the last couple of years gardeners have been noticing the arrival of the Blue Mint Beetle who prefers our more cultivated friend.
Both beetles are beautiful and iridescent; vivid with colours not out of place on a peacock feather. They are not even as crawly and ugly as many of the enormous beetle family. Beauty is always a matter of perception and mine may of course change if they eat my herbs to the ground.
So, Mint vs Mint Beetle. Who will conquer?
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