I am a real sucker when it comes to thyme plants. I can be found at plant fairs hunting them out, as others hunt truffles. They come in all shapes and sizes. They can vary in scent from wonderful spicy orange and a herby lemon to a pungent pine. The leaves can vary from large and round to long and thin, or even woolly. I defy any one not to want them in the garden especially when they are in flower. Historically they have been used medicinally since Assyrian times, which was at the end of the second millennium BC. Current research has shown Thymus vulgaris arrest the ageing process and is very beneficial in the treatment of stomach ulcers.
My collection has expanded over the past two decades to over 50 different thyme varieties and it is at this time of year they look so beautiful.
The best culinary thymes in my opinion are, Orange scented, Thymus ‘Fragrantissimus’, Broad leaf thyme, Thymus pulegioides, Golden lemon thyme, Thymus ‘Golden Lemon’, Lemon thyme, Thymus ‘Culinary Lemon’ and French thyme, Thymus vulgaris ‘French’
If I had to just choose one it would be the broad leaved thyme as this is so useful with its large leaves that can be used whole or chopped, roasted with vegetables,
Thymus pulegioides
used in marinades, or infused in water then added to the bath to ease my aching muscles.
The creeping varieties are wonderful for bees and butterflies and spread delightfully over gravel and rocks. Here are just four to inspire you.
My top tip for growing thymes is to cut them back after flowering, this encourages the plant to put on new growth which helps to protect them from the vagaries of the winter.
We will be taking a lovely selection of Thymes to this years RHS Hampton Court , 2nd-8th July, where I am going to create a small herb garden that you will be able to walk through. This will be situated down by the Rose Marquee site number TH/5 and near the Thames entrance. Look forward to seeing you there.
Just reading about Thyme brings back lots of lovely memories to me, all enjoyable. Thanks for sharing, I am just starting to acquire different thyme plants so it is useful for me to learn of the different varities
I love Thymes too so have a large pot for some of my most used culinary ones and then others creeping all over the gravel in front of my house – they look lovely just now! Thanks Jekka for them all! Sorry I can’t be at Hampton court this year but hope all goes well
Hope to see you at the open days again in July?
The orange-scented thyme that \I bought from you is flourishing in my garden now!
I am so glad, it is a wonderful herb.
Hope you have enjoyed the flowers this year they have been splendid.
fantastic post jekka, thankyou for that – very inspiring
I assure you it is not me it is the Thymes they are wonderful plants.
Hello Jekka:
I’ve just found you. Nice blog!
50 different thyme varieties!!! Impressive.
Regards
Garden Chair
I had no idea there were so many varieties of thyme! Thank you for a beautiful and informative post.