Plant Gardens 101

Common Thyme or English Thyme (Latin name Thymus vulgaris) is a Mediterranean native plant, perfect for dry herb gardens. This versatile plant is a favorite ingredient in kitchen gardens, grows well between rocks or spilling over containers and is a staple in classic Medieval knot gardens.

These herbs grow as small shrubs or shrublets with tiny, oval leaves measuring just 1/4 inch long. They are perennial and flower in late spring to early summer in little whorls on the tips of the stems. The flowers are shaped like tiny trumpets, usually in white or pale violet.

Ordinary kitchen thyme is best grown in Sunset Zones 1-24 or USDA Zone 4-8. It grows up to a foot tall and can spread two feet around. Older branches take on a woody look at feel at the bottom. They make nice groundcovers or a low edging in dry areas. In the ground they can take full sun to part shade. Try them along a pathway or let them spill over a low wall or planter. Brushing the leaves releases their scent so place them where they can be touched, but they cannot take foot traffic. In pots, they may benefit from part shade during hot summer months.

One of the most popular of the scented thymes is lemon scented thyme, sometimes called German Thyme (thymus x citriodorus) with a strong lemony scent. It comes in a variegated form (thymus citriodorus variegata). This enchanting herb has bright green leaves with either silvery or creamy golden highlights around the edges. This charmer usually stays under 8 inches tall but can spread to two feet. It is excellent fresh or dried with chicken and turkey.
In the kitchen thyme can be used either fresh or dried. It goes well with poultry and eggs and adds rich flavor to soups and stews. Thyme also has a long history in the medicine cabinet. It has carminative, antiseptic and expectorant properties. It has been used as a tea for respiratory problems and gastrointestinal issues.

The lore of thyme is also rich. It was used in Greece to give courage and energize the sprit. To say another “smelled of thyme” was a rich compliment. Thyme was burned whole as an incense to cleanse and purify temples. The Romans brought thyme home from Greece and are credited with helping to spreading the herb across the Mediterranean. Sleeping with a bit of thyme under your pillow is said to prevent nightmares. Thyme is said to be a favorite plant of elves and fairies. I too am enchanted by thyme. Grow some and you will be too.

Drop by http://www.theGardenPages.com for more drought tolerant herbs, plants and photos. Good luck and happy gardening!

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