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About Thyme 
Thyme is an ancient herb. It's tiny purple blossoms have lent color to the Grecian hillsides for as long as there are written records. As familiar as the scent of Lavendar is to the landscape of Provence, Greeks have been blessed with the scent of wild thyme filling the countryside.
Thyme can range in color from a deep green through gray and some varieties even show a flair of golden hue. It's remarkably tiny leaves can be wooly, shiny or edged with a silver color. Thyme will natuarally grow as a ground cover and as such can be used as a lawn or between stepping stones in a path. It's aromatic scent is released when the leaves are disturbed so if you walk across a path with thyme you scent the air around you with the most delicate and lovely of smells.
The genus Thymus includes nearly one hundred species and even the Royal Horticultural Society finds that thymes are difficult to identify and classify. Thyme is always a low, woody plant, sometimes almost shrubby and occassionally prostrate, but all are hardy perennials. They make an excellent landscaping planting between paving stones.
Thyme is the favored herb of bees and in ancient Greece the leaves of thyme plants were rubbed over the hives as a lure and to encourage a profuse honey crop. The honey of Mount Hymettus in Greece, said to be the best honey in the world has it's distinct flavor influenced by the preponderance of thyme in the surrounding countryside. It is still today a common practice among Mediterranean orchardists to grow thyme as a ground cover between rows to encourage butterflies to pollinate fruit trees.
Thyme remains one of the most important culinary herbs. It is essential in the classic blend of herbs called bouquet garni. The flavor of thyme is more delicate than sage and as such finds a home with meats, eggs, poultry, fish, vegetables, soups, chowders, cheeses and green salads. Thyme is said to be as useful as salt and without the worries.
Planning
Thyme requires full sun and a sandy, well-drained soil. If you plan to incorporate your thyme as a landscape planting consider creeping varieties which work well as edgings. These varities can also do well in rock gardens.
Thyme plantings will require about 8 inches of space apart from one another.
Preparation
If your site soil is heavy be sure to lighten it with organic material.
Staring thyme from seed is troublesome to say the least because of uneven and slow germination. We recommend that you either purchase starts from a nursery [see varieties] or through divisions.
Care
Where winters are cold be sure to mulch your plants after the ground freezes in order to protect them from damage. A simple pine needle or bark mulch will do.
Trim plants back in the spring and summer to curb woody growth. Cutting in the fall will encourage tender growth that the winter will only destroy.
Pests / Disease
Garden-Helper.com does not currently have information about pests and diseases that affect sage. Check back soon as we are looking to discover more information constantly.
Harvesting
Just before the plants bloom cut sprigs and hang them upside down in the dark. Strip the leaves and store in a jar.
Thyme Varieties
There are over 300 varieties of thyme, 50 of which are cultivars typically grown for their culinary value and we have found sources for some of the most popular varities. Cooks generally grow Thymus vulgaris.
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Common Thyme
The Common Thyme, ‘Thymus vulagis,’ will mix perfectly with almost anything. This is an herb for cooks who don’t know quite which herb to use. It is also a very elegant, small garden shrub. It grows nicely as a hedge around any herb or vegetable garden. These small, twelve-inch plants produce quarter-inch leaves and delicate, edible flowers. The flowers appear in early summer. The seeds should be planted in the spring, two weeks after the last average frost date in a warm, light, loose and well draining soil. 
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Mother of Thyme Thyme
Mother of Thyme, ‘Thymus serpyllum,’ is a fast growing evergreen groundcover. Its foliage has a very sweet aroma. The pink to purple blossoms appear in the summer months, and the plants have a height of eight inches with a spread of one to two feet. Mother of Thyme grows best in full sunlight, but can tolerate some morning shade, in a well draining area. This plant is just perfect for rock gardens, near stones or bricks, or along pathways. This is a favorite plant for honeybees and has been used in several medicinal applications.
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Golden King Thyme
The thyme ‘Thymus citriodorus aureus,’ was believed by the ancient Druids to possess magical powers. This may be the reason why consumers seem to be unable to resist buying these particularly choice varieties. This is a semi-trailing variety, with light lavender pink flowers and gold-flecked green foliage. Its lemony scent has saved many a strawberry pot from early retirement. The flowers of this dwarf variety are star shaped and the foliage is glossy. This plant looks gorgeous when it is spilling out of containers or window boxes.
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Doone Valley Thyme
The thyme Platycodon grandiflorum, was believed by the ancient Druids to possess magical powers. This may be the reason why consumers seem to be unable to resist buying these particularly choice varieties. This is a dainty creeping variety, with light purple flowers and yellow-flecked green foliage. Its lemony scent has saved many a strawberry pot from early retirement. The flowers of this dwarf variety are star shaped and the foliage is glossy. This plant will tolerate light shade or full sunlight.
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Argentus Thyme
The thyme Argenteus, ‘Thymus vulgaris,’ shows a pale grayish green colored foliage that is edges with bright white. This plant looks studding and has a semi-trailing habit. It should be planted in full sunlight, but can tolerate some morning shade, in a well draining area. This plant does great in dry soils, but will prefer a moist location. Perfect for rock gardens, near stones or bricks or along pathways, this plant is a favorite to honeybees.
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Shop for Thyme Needs
Garden-Helper.com does not currently have a recommended supplier for thyme gardening needs, however check back soon.
Thyme Links
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Articles and Recipes With Thyme
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How to Grow Thyme - Thyme plant information at Garden-Helper.com - your online thyme growing resource |