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.