Seeds for Living Knick Knack Plants

Dwarf Fine Bush Minette basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Minette') is a compact, mounding basil variety known for its dense, 10-inch-tall spherical shape, small leaves, and aromatic, slightly spicy flavor suitable for containers, borders, and culinary uses like soups and salads. To grow it, plant seeds after the last frost in fertile, well-draining soil, keep the plants watered, and prune them by pinching off flower buds to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemony-scented, herbaceous perennial of the mint family, native to Europe and the Mediterranean. It is cultivated as a culinary herb, a garden plant, and in traditional medicine to reduce stress, improve sleep, and ease indigestion. The plant is easy to grow, can be harvested for its fragrant leaves, and may spread aggressively, so growing it in a container is often recommended. Lemon scented leaves and sprigs used to make teas and cool drinks. Good for potpourri and the flowers attract bees.

Used to flavor cold drinks and herb vinegars. Tender, young leaves add a hint of cucumber to soups, casseroles and salads. It is a perennial herb with delicate, serrated leaves and a mild, refreshing cucumber-like flavor, making it a popular culinary ingredient for salads, drinks, and other dishes, and also valued for its use in traditional medicine and for attracting pollinators and providing forage for wildlife. The plant is evergreen, hardy, and features small, reddish or greenish flowers in summer.

A very easy to grow plant for pots, baskets and gardens.
Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family. It has a square, hairy stalk with typically gray green colored heart shaped leaves that have scalloped edges. Flowers grow in spikes, reaching 1/2 inch in length.
It is best known for its ability to get cats high.
Native to Europe and Asia, catnip became naturalised in North America and Canada after being introduced by the colonists in the 1600s. The name Nepeta is believed to have come from the town of Nepete in Italy, and Cataria is thought to have come from the Latin word for cat.
The active ingredient that causes a high in cats is an essential oil called nepetalactone, which can be found in the leaves and stems of the plant.

Because cats affected by catnip roll on the floor, which mimics a female in estrus, it has been suggested that the plant acts as an aphrodisiac, but this is unlikely, as males react the same way as females. What is probable is the cat is reacting to similar feel good pheromones released during sexual courtship/activity. However, non sexual behaviour including playing, chasing, and hunting can also be observed.
Around 50 to 66% of cats are affected by catnip, and to differing degrees. Kittens younger than eight weeks old aren't able to enjoy its effect; in fact, they show an aversion to it. The response to catnip is mediated through the olfactory system. When nepetalactone enters the cat's nasal passages, it binds to olfactory receptors located at the olfactory epithelium. This stimulates sensory neurons, which trigger neurons in the olfactory bulb to send signals to the brain. The response to catnip is inherited as an autosomal dominant gene, which means the gene only needs to be passed on from one parent.
It's not just domesticated cats who enjoy the effects of catnip; many other wild species of cats also enjoy it. Cats can smell 1 part per billion in the air. Males and females, fertile or desexed there appears to be no one group more readily affected by catnip than another.
A typical response includes sniffing, chewing, licking, head shaking, and chin, cheek, and body rubbing (in that order). Additional responses may include stretching, drooling, jumping, licking, aggression, and hyperactivity. Sniffing that produces the high; it is believed that cats eat catnip to bruise the catnip, thereby releasing more of the nepetalactone. The high produced will usually last between five and ten minutes, followed by a one hour refractory period.
Interestingly, researchers say that nepetalactone is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, which is the active ingredient in most insect repellents. It was also discovered that catnip repels cockroaches! Plants aren't alone in containing nepetalactone; some insects and ants also contain it. It's been speculated that this protects them from other insects.
Rats and mice are also believed to have a strong dislike of catnip and will avoid places where it grows.
Is catnip harmful to cats? Catnip is not harmful to your cat. They won't overdose on it. Most cats know when they've had enough and will refuse any further offers.
A perennial best suited for zones 4-9.

Great for dressing up potatoes and spicing up salads, Chives are easy-to-grow from herb seeds, and their lavender flowers make an attractive clump or edging in gardens. Chives are a must-have kitchen herb and are perfect for almost any savory dish. The Chives herb has tubular leaves that add a delicate onion flavor to cooking. They also make a nice garnish too with flower heads that can be used! The flowers have an even milder onion flavor.
As soon as the leaves have reached several inches in height, you can start harvesting the desired amounts for the kitchen. Cut the leaves with scissors, leaving 1 - 2 inches above the ground. Begin at the outside edge of the plant and work toward the center. Chop the leaves and use fresh or freeze for year-round use.
Chives herb uses include being companion plants to repel insect pests. Plant these herb seeds near almost any plant that is bothered by insect pests and the Chives will instantly drive them away.

Sweetly aromatic, Spearmint, can be used in both cooking and in potpourri and other fragrant decorative items. Spearmint herb is used to make mint jellies and sauces and of course, tea! Spearmint also has medicinal benefits as well. It is a wonderful addition for the garden that can easily be started with seeds.
Spearmint has strong flavor and fragrance that is released with simple bruising. It's the best mint variety for hot and cold drinks. Toss bruised leaves into ice water for a refreshing summer drink or add to iced tea. Spearmint is favored for flavoring beverages such as mojito. Also know as Yerba Buena. Spreading plant is great for containers. Tolerates light frost.

A perennial plant for zones 4-9, and can be grown in containers.