![]() ![]() Some of the first documented uses of thyme dates back to 3000 BC, when it was used as an antiseptic by the Sumerians. Be sure to keep the weeds cleared and give thyme plenty of room to spread. The plants can take cold weather which is why they are found growing on mountains and survive my snowy cold winters. Thyme can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or by dividing rooted pieces. Thyme prefers light stony soils, but it will grow in heavy soils although they say it will not be as aromatic. It is a good drought tolerant plant and dislikes too much moisture. Thyme is best grown in a hot, sunny well-drained soil. This cultivated thyme is grown in temperate climates. The Common Thyme is an cultivated form of the Wild Thyme that is found in countries bordering the Mediterranean. A few are pictured here: Lemon thyme, Silver-Edge thyme, French thyme. ![]() ![]() There are over one hundred varieties of thyme that are so close in appearance they are hard to tell apart. I have never seen flowers on my thyme, but I am not surprised given our climate. Every part of the plant has an incredible aroma. The 4-8 inch woody stems are covered with small gray-green leaves, and the flowers appear in late spring through summer. Thyme is a perennial woody evergreen shrub native to central and northern Europe. Thymus comes from the Greek word thymon meaning courage. It has many common names: French Thyme, Shepherd’s Thyme, Common Thyme, Mother of Thyme, Garden Thyme, English Thyme. The most common of these is Thymus vulgaris which is part of the Mint Family ( Lamiaceae or Labiatae). Thyme is several species of culinary and medicinal herbs of the genus Thymus. I am linking in with Elephant’s Eye on False Bay for her meme, Dozen for Dianaas I profile this wonderful herb. They have the appearance of a succulent like in the picture above when you view them up close. I love the delicate little leaves that pack such a wonderful aroma. I planted several varieties of thyme last fall because I wanted them to spread in dry areas as a ground cover much like my original lemon thyme. And as I thought about the next Simply The Best Herbs post, I thought I would pick another common herb that has a rich history, and is used today mainly for culinary purposes…. My work life still continues to be super busy as I move closer to retirement and freedom. I am trying to ignore the weeds as I have little “time” to attend to them. Spring has continued to be a roller coaster ride, and my garden is behind in flowers and too far ahead with weeds. – William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream With sweet must-roses, and with eglantine. Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, ![]()
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