Thyme

A low-growing, wiry-stemmed perennial. The stems are stiff and woody and leaves are small, oval, dark grey-green in colour and are very aromatic. It is quite hardy and will winter over without much fuss. Pale mauve-pink flowers bloom at the tips of the stems in summer, the flowers are edible and are extremely attractive to bees.

Thyme is an attractive edging plant or a spreading plant among and over rocks, growing best in light, well-drained soil. They also make interesting plants for the window sill or in hanging baskets.

Thyme leaves may be small, but they pack a powerful punch. Thyme is the most popular culinary herb besides mint and retains its flavour well in long slow cooking. It is one of the savoury herbs and blends to create some memorable flavours such as the Bouquet Garni which is the basis of French Provencal cooking.

The strong flavour is best when combined with all sorts of robust meat and vegetable dishes. It enhances soups, vegetables and poultry, also red meat and dishes cooked with wine.

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