Thymus vulgaris - Thyme

Thymus vulgaris
"Common Thyme"
Family: Lamiaceae

Thyme, native to the Euroasian continent, was well-known since Assyrian time (2000BC). Ancient Greeks felt complimented when told they ‘smell like thymbra’ and in Egypt it was used as part of embalming the dead.
Thyme is a classic in herb gardens. They are excellent for ground cover or garden border, and be pruned into a low hedging or a classic knot formation. Maximum essential oil potency occurs in the summer months.
Thyme enjoys a well-drained, light soil with pH of 6-8, temperature of 13°C. They are low maintenance as long as they get full sun and are protected from cold during winter.

Leaf
Shape: Ovate
Margin: Smooth
Colour: Gray-green to green
Surface: Smooth
Size: 5-10mm
Arrangement: Staggered opposing.
Cycle: Evergreen perennial

Flower
Colour/s: White - lilac
Inflorescence: Terminal spike
Scent: Similar to the leaves
Shape: ovate

Plant Category: Creeping groundcover
Growth characteristics: 30cm x 30cm.
Potential horticultural use: Culinary/herbal gardens, ornamental, potted situations.
Horticultural limitations: As they have fine roots, transplanting requires extra care, and recommended to do so in autumn, months ahead of frost. Although they are hardy to up to -10°C, in cool temperature climates they may need extra protection fro cold winds. Clumps may die in the centre of the bush after 2-3 years, usually an indication of poor growing conditions such as too much moisture or interference from fallen objects such as leaf litter from other plants.
Propagation methods: Seed; germination period 3-4weeks. Root division. Cuttings - soft-tissue cutting, semi-hardwood cutting, and layering.

Culinary: Flavouring for soft cheeses and butters. Used for flavouring in cooking or raw sprinkles. When cookbooks refer to a ‘sprig’ they usually mean half teaspoon (2.5mL)
Farmaceutical: Antisceptic and antibacterial. Coughs, digestive aid, and sooth muscle aches. Stronger infusion used for mouth rinse; disinfect mouth, gums and throat. Anti-aging properties.
Aromatic: Rudyard Kipling: “wind-bit thyme that smells like the perfume of the dawn in paradise”. Culpeper mentioned it dispelling melancholy and nightmares. Thyme essential oils are available to use in baths for rheumatism, in liniments, and in massage oils.
Folklore: Domestic virtue: “I need a compatible partner”.

Rosemarinas officinalis - Rosemary

Rosemarinas officinalis
"Rosemary"
Family: Laminaceae

Well known in Western Europe, rosemary was around from ancient Greco-Roman times. Native to the Mediterranean coast, Rosemarinus means ‘dew of the sea’ in Latin which associates with this coastal habitat and the appearance of the flowers.
As rosemary have an attractive vertical line, it will do well in a decorative garden situation.
Rosemary enjoys a sunny, sheltered position. Some may survive the frost .
Soil type: Sharply drained, stony soils and requires little moisture. PH 5-8. Soil temperature 13-25°C.
Maintenance requirements: Little watering, hard pruning in summer after flowering.

Leaf
Shape: lanceolate
Margin: smooth
Colour: grey-green to green
Surface: short soft fur
Size: 3cm long, 3mm wide
Arrangement:
Cycle: perennial

Flower
Colour/s: lilac to dark blue
Inflorescence: tubular
Scent: same as leaves
Shape: bilobial
Fruit: Produces small black seeds.

Plant Category: Evergreen shrub
Growth characteristics: Up to 2m tall, has woody brances and strongly aromatic needle-like leaves
Potential horticultural use: Textile and scent gardens, culinary and medicinal gardens. Can be trained into a pattern against a wall (Tudor style) or pruned into a hedge or topiary.
Horticultural limitations: Does not enjoy excess moisture and humidity.
Propagation methods: From seed, germination 15-20 days. Easily asexually propagated from soft-tissue cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, and layering

Culinary: Classic for roasts, stews and casseroles. Add to marinades, vinegar, oil and dressings. Used sparingly to add spice to cakes, biscuits, sorbets and baked/stewed apples. Advocated by lamb-lovers. Popular Italian flavour.
Farmaceutical: Antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Use for memory improvement, energiser, colds and flu, fatigue and headache. Infusions used for skin and hair care. Essential oils used for massaging rheumatic and muscular pain. *Excess in medicinal dose taken orally during pregnancy may cause abortion.
Aromatic: Dried leaves for potpourri and insect-repellents.
Folklore: Symbol of rememberance, found at weddings, funerals and Christmas decorations. Protection from the evil eye.

Zingiber officinale - Ginger

Zingiber officinale
Ginger
Family: Zingiberaceae

Originating in the jungles of South-East Asia, it was imported by Greeks and Romans to the North-West, and was taken by the migrants across the islands of Pacific as far as New Zealand and Madagascar. It was thought to be so valuable that Arab traders mislead rivals as to its origin by inventing a place called ‘Troglodyticall Arabia.’

Ginger is easy to grow from fresh rhizomes, suitable as a primary industry crop or in a home garden situation for its attractive foliage while waiting for the rhizome to develop. For agricultural purposes the plant is treated as an annual for harvest.
Ginger prefers warm, humid environment, and filtered sun or partial shade. 24°C in greenhouses. Grow them in a rich, moist but well-drained soil, with pH of 4.5-7.5. They do best in tropical zones.

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid strong winds and frosts.

Leaf
Shape: lanceolate
Margin: smooth
Colour: bright green
Surface: smooth
Size: 15 long, 1-3cm wide
Arrangement: alternate
Cycle: perennial.

Flower
Colour/s: Light green
Inflorescence: cones

Plant Category: Monocot with rhizome, aromatic bitter herb.
Growth characteristics: Fast-growing; up to 1m tall, 50cm wide
Potential horticultural use: attractive foliage, culinary
Horticultural limitations: does not tolerate cold well
Propagation methods: division of rhizomes

Culinary: Rhizomes used fresh, dried, cooked. Keeps well frozen.
Farmaceutical: Keeps the intestinal muscles toned. Treatment of nausea from motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy and anesthesia; vomiting, headaches, chest congestion, cholera, colds, diarrhea, stomach ache, rheumatism and nervous diseases. Prevention of migraine, osteo-arthritis, and cancer activities. Relieves symptoms of abdominal bloating, rheumatoid arthritis, and acts as thrombotic and inflammatory agent. It also has depressant, diarrhoea and strong oxidant activity. Inhibitor of prostaglandin and thromboxane formation and has strong nutrient properties similar to that of bromelain for inflammation.
Aromatic: Essential oil, flavouring.
Pagan lore: sexuality, love, courage, money, prosperity.