English Thyme

06/12/2014 | Ken Lain, mountain gardener Plant of the Week, Uncategorized

English Thyme‘Thymus vulgaris‘, The small oval leaves pack a lot of flavor, being small enough to use in the kitchen without dicing before adding to dishes. The aromatic, warming flavor holds up well during cooking times of favorite casseroles, vegetables, soups, stuffing, and sauces.  The narrow stems are lined with tiny gray-green leaves and topped with pretty pink flowers in summer.  Often companion planted near vegetables to help control flea beetles, squash bug and cabbage pests.  Blooms in early summer, its delicate blossoms are favorites of butterflies and honey bees.  Loves sun, and bitterly dislikes wet soil or wet foliage.  This culinary herb is so drought hardy it can be planted a rock garden.