Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and... Thyme is one of the most historic plants on earth. Ancient Egyptians used it in embalming. Romans loved the fragrance and planted it all over Europe. Its been claimed to be everything from a trance-inducing drug to an aphrodisiac. Today, the essential oil from thyme is still commonly used--its a major ingredient in Listerine!

Best of all, to today's gardeners, is Thymes heavenly fragrance. (All parts of the plant are fragrant, and spread their scent wherever they're planted.)

Various members of the large thyme tribe are used in herb gardens, of course, but also as ornamentals in flower gardens and as ground covers. Its signature foliage, usually gray-green, is highly decorative, and the plants require almost no care once they are established.

Like lavender, its a plant that begs for gritty, fast-draining soil, and is very drought-tolerant. No moist, mushy loam for your Thyme!