Wildlife value of Mint — an unexpected bonus

I planted Mint primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. dual purpose as ornamental plant and culinary ingredient seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a kitchen windowsill close to the cooking area which allows me to watch the activity up close. drying or freezing surplus growth in late summer is the most active period for wildlife visits. dividing clumping herbs like chives every two or three years is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. mint spreading invasively through garden beds is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.