Thyme Plants

The best Thymes for culinary use are the Common Garden Thyme or its Compact form, the Lemon Thymes and Caraway Thyme which imparts a unique flavour especially to roast meats. There are others, of course, including Tabor and Foxley.  The semi creeping Thymes are ideal for walls, baskets and pots where they can tumble over the sides. Prostrate Thymes have tiny leaves which are not really suitable for cooking but are superb for forming dense, spreading mats for Thyme lawns or between paving stones and paths. These will erupt in a mass of flowers in Summer and will be covered in bees and butterflies. A mix of varieties can be used which will give the effect of a Persian carpet; a subtle variation of foliage colours and a wonderful mist of mauves, purples, pinks and even white flowers:  Thyme requires a free draining soil in full sun and nearly all are very hardy.  To keep plants bushy, trim back immediately after flowering.  For prostrate Thymes, spent flowers should be lightly brushed off the plants to allow light and air to reach the base of the plant. This will encourage fresh, new and strong growth.