Re: [CH] Monarda
Michael Bailes (frgntgar@ozemail.com.au)
Fri, 23 Apr 1999 19:56:41 +1100
Apologies for the slight off-topic but maybe some other old-timer gardener
might comment on something for me. If my sense of smell serves me right
the monarda (didyma) that I grew back in the '50s had a pleasant scented
smell but now all the varieties seem to smell of camphor or thymol (like thyme)
Is it my nose or has anyone else noticed a change?
there is adifference.
there are a least two main varieties.
Most nurseries here use the one that is easily grown from seed. It does not
have the nice Earl-Grey Tea fragrance. It has pink flowers.
Red flowering bergamot is usally grown dfrom cuttings and hence more
expensive to produce.
It ssems the best for flavour.
I try to propagate most of my nice mint family plants from cuttings to keep
good flavour. But after 23 years propagating - and no one really noticing
the differece I am about to stop propagting plants.
There are some beautiful mints about but now most supermarket nurseries
just produce nasty tasting stuff from seed.
Michael Bailes.
The Fragrant Garden, Portsmouth Road, Erina. N.S.W. 2250 Australia. (OZ)
International fax 61 243 651979 Phone 61 243 677322
Web page at: http://www.fragrantgarden.com.au/
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