Mint plant - some leaves curling, powdery orange at bottom of stems

Zeeegilly

I've noticed my normally very healthy mint suddenly has a few of the stems looking a bit withered and curling in - no discolouration. On closer inspection, the bottom of many of the stems/top of the roots are covered in an orange powdery coating. The plant is in a very sunny and quite dry location - but it's the same place as the last 2 years with no problems.

Any ideas what this is, and how I solve? 

wild edges

Looks like some kind of rust fungus. Chop out any affected material and either burn it or send it to the council compost if you can. Make sure the ground is clear of dead leaves and maybe give it a mulch around with clean compost. Thin the plant out a bit to increase light and airflow and just keep on top of any reinfections.

Zeeegilly

Thanks - will give that a go