It isn't just for cats!

There are many benefits of Nepeta, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

I NEVER gave the connection between cats and catnip much thought until we got two cats and moved to a house with a large Nepeta cataria (catmint) bush.

They had always gone slightly dotty over catnip toys, but once the bush started growing the first spring we were there, they became hooked on it, chewing it and rolling on it.

Luckily it is large enough to withstand their affections, but a smaller one we planted almost gave up the ghost and had to be dug up and potted so it could recover in peace after our rather hefty tabby took to sitting on it…

Whether your household has cats or is feline-free, catmint is always worth having because it has so many positive properties. It is low maintenance, its flowers will being the bees a-flocking, and its leaves can be used to make a soothing infusion.