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Thyme is, of course, a versatile culinary herb, and that is reason enough for considering planting one or two varieties in the garden, but there are a lot of other great reasons to plant this hardy perennial. Voted the Herb of the year in 1997, it is still a great favorite in most kitchen gardens, but is gaining great popularity in other places in the yard. For instance it’s lovely to use to fill in the cracks between flagstones, paving stones and walkways. Creeping thyme, and wooly thyme are so vigorous that they can be used as an alternative to grass and walking on it releases a wonderful fragrance. It is also is becoming a popular landscaping ornamental, no doubt because it is so easy to grow. Thyme will grow in all soil conditions as long as there is good drainage. As well, it loves the sun, and is hardy enough for our cold winters. You can harvest it at any time, though the oil is strongest when the flowers are just beginning to open. I love the little mauve or purple flowers as a garnish on a salad or the plate, and you can use the flowers and leaves in herbal vinegars also. Of course, it is popular for jellies, dressings and stuffings as well as mustards, and vinegars, and of course teas.The ancient Greeks used it to restore vigor and for fumigating against illness and disease.
One of the reasons I love it in the garden is because the flowers are full of perfume and nectar for the bees. So many of the new hybrids have absolutely no nectar and there is nothing to attract the bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to our gardens. Another wonderful way to enjoy these plants is to place some close to the lawn and walkways so that you mow a bit of it as you mow the lawn. It releases a wonderful fragrance, and the plants are hardy enough that you can mow them occasionally and they still thrive. There are also some lovely new varieties to experiment with such as lemon, caraway, silver or golden thyme.
In 18th-century England, little herbal nosegays using fragrant flowers and scented herbs were carried to ward off evil spirits, the plague and various other ills. In Victorian times they were used to convey sentimental messages. But, of course, another very good reason to plant thyme in the garden is because the garden fairies build their houses under the woven mats of thyme.
Lindi Karmason
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