Thyme is a low growing, woody perennial. It is extremely fragrant and flavorful and grows well in tough, dry conditions. The pink, lavender or white tubular flowers are very popular with bees. Tiny gray-green leaves remain evergreen. There are about 350 different species including lemon, golden and variegated. The plant will grow up to 12in. (30cm) tall. Thyme is a highly aromatic herb with many culinary and medicinal uses. In the garden thyme attracts bees and is a deterant to many garden pests.

Ideal location- A dry sunny spot with poor to well-drained soil Thyme dislikes wet cold and winter conditions. It grows well in gravel, paths and rock gardens. Thyme is often used as a ground cover and is happy to grow in the cracks between pavers and rocks. You can also buy seed in bulk to create a thyme lawn. Trailing varieties look well in pots, especially the golden and variegated varieties.

Cultivation- Thyme plants are usually propagated by division or cuttings. Thyme may be grown by seed, but the different varieties will cross pollinate and hybridize, so it may not grow true from seed. If you choose to grow certain cultivars of thyme from seed, beware it grows very so give it a couple of months before using the plant.

Maintanence- When thyme is grown in warmer climates it can get shrubby. Prune hard, in early spring, to prevent the plant from getting too woody. Additional shaping can be done after flowering. Otherwise all that is needed is to prune by harvesting and to remove and replace any areas that die out. Thyme otherwise needs very little care.

Thyme is most fragrant and flavorful when grown in dry, lean soil. Too much moisture will rot the plants.. Ants like to build their nests in thyme beds and can disrupt the roots. If grown in damp or humid conditions, molds and rots can become a problem. Care should be taken that thyme plants are not sitting in wet areas throughout the winter months.

Uses- Thyme can be used fresh or in dried form. When using fresh, simply snip the leaves off the plant. Culinary uses include seasoning of meats, poultry, egg dishes, soups, marinades, as a tea flavored with honey, and infusions of vinegar.

This lovely aromatic herb has been used as medicine throughout history especially for chest and respiratory problems. Researchers have found that thyme contains a volatile oil known as thymol. This oil acts as an antiseptic and disinfectant

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