Most herbal writers agree that thyme may
be the oldest herb known to man. To the Greeks, it was an emblem of
activity, bravery and energy. The Romans gave thyme as a sovereign
remedy to people burdened with melancholy. Virgil and Pliny both
recorded the antiseptic properties of thyme. The secret society of
the Republicans in France once used branches of thyme to summon their
members to its meetings. Legends abound that thyme is the favorite
herb of fairies and Shakespeare supported that assumption in his writings.
Anyone who has tasted the delicate flavor of thyme honey would be easy to
convince that it was, indeed, fairy food.
There is disagreement over the
origination of this herb’s name. Thyme is the derivative of a Greek
word which means "to fumigate" (alluding to its effectiveness as an
antiseptic). Or, it could come from the Greek word "thumus"
which signifies courage. From ancient and mediaeval days, thyme has
been considered a source of invigoration. Also associated with
funereal traditions, thyme was one of the fragrant flowers planted on
graves. In the language of flowers according to Kate Greenaway,
thyme symbolizes activity ("busy as a bee" may have come from observing
the feverish activities of these industrious insects around a patch of
flowering thyme). Weeding chores are made more enjoyable with
their symphonic sounds in the background.
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DID YOU KNOW?
-It is best to dry
thyme by hanging in bunches upside down.
-Thyme is known as
the symbol of strength and courage.
-Thyme is considered
to be one of the manger herbs.
-The affection of
bees for thyme is well known.
-Romans used thyme
to give an aromatic flavor to cheese.
-Lavender thrives
when thyme is planted nearby.
-The dried flowers
are often used to preserve linens from insects.
-Thyme grows best in
limey soil and between stones. |
Down through the ages, the unassuming
thyme has maintained its reputation as a trusted and valuable help to
mankind. In 1753, Linnaeus described eight varieties; over 60
species and cultivars are currently being grown in the U.S. Thyme
was already extensively grown in England even before the middle of the 16th
century. There are two general classifications: upright and
creeping, but all thymes are perennial. Thyme thrives best with lots
of room to spread out. The perfect site for thymes - rocky, slightly
alkaline, well-drained soil and full sun. This plant will rot if
planted in a poorly draining site; it needs good air circulation. If
cultivated in heavy soil, you take the chance of losing some fragrance.
Thyme makes an ideal hedging plant;
with frequent clippings, thyme vulgaris can be kept growing for several
years. Or use the prostrate varieties as an edging plant along your
walks. With stony soil or flagstones providing warm covering for the
spreading root system, it will survive the severest cold. Yet, those
frigid winter winds can kill all or part of a plant sometimes.
Northern climates have the advantage of a snow covering for protection,
but this smothers them and does more harm than good. Compromise by
mulching the soil, tucking close to the base of the plant, but do not
cover the foliage.
