Thymus

Thymus

Varieties  - Numerous varieties

 Common (Garden) Thyme Thymus Vulgaris   -

Details of other varieties will be posted http://wangicommunitygarden.blogspot.com.au

Evergreen hardy perennial growing 20-30cm.

Propagation.  Softwood cuttings Only a few Thymes such as Common Thyme propagate successfully from seed.  Sow seeds in early spring.  Take cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer.

Garden Cultivation  Grow Thyme in any well drained soil. Trim after flowering to encourage new growth.  Suitable varieties for a Thyme Lawn - Wooley thyme, Silver Thyme, Golden-tipped Thyme and Lemon Thyme

Companion Planting Boosts most nearby plants. Beneficial to borage, cabbage and roses.  Deters cabbage worm. Attracts bees.  Plant thyme as a ground cover in orchards to attract pollinating insects to fruit trees. Enhances flavour in strawberries and shallots

Harvest - Pick all year round. Pick leaves before flowering for culinary and medicinal uses. Flowers taste like the leaves only milder and a bit sweeter. Some leave a sharp tingle on the tongue.  Use the flowers in place of minced leaves or as a garnish on soups, pasta, salads, dessert and in particular butter and sauces

For craft projects harvest thymes’ blooms while at their peak

Storage -  Can be dried. Hang drying produces great results (cover with paper bag), frozen or place in vinegar or oil.  

Culinary.   Common, lemon, orange and caraway thyme are all used in cooking

Use Thyme in soups, sauces, jellies, vinegars, oils, butters, bouquet garni and salt-free herb blends.

Medicinal - Respiratory complaints, mouthwashes, gargles, inhalations, skin conditions. Liniment with eucalyptus, marjoram or black pepper.  

Thyme Tea may relieve headaches bought on by tension or overtiredness

Qi tonic when prepared in alcohol or as an essential oil.

Use a Thyme/White Vinegar mixture to splash on insect bites.  May also repel insect.

Arts and Crafts

Thyme symbolises Strength and Courage

Use in wreaths, flower arrangements, potpourris and garlands.

Contraindications

Avoid Medicinal use during pregnancy (uterine stimulant)  Avoid in hyperthyroidism.

Thyme essential oil may have an irritating effect on the skin and mucous membranes.

Further information

For recipes and more information on how to use Thyme go to:- http://wangicommunitygarden.blogspot.com.au

References

Website accessed on 21 November 2013  http://www.unclelukes.com/companion-planting/companion-planting-chart

Website accessed on 21 November 2013  http://www.westcoastseeds.com/topicdetail/topic/companion-planting/

“Herb Drying Handbook”, Blose, N. and Cusick, D., 1993, Sterling Publishers, New York

“Herbs, How to grow them, How to use them” Tomnay, S, 1988, Leisure Magazines, Silverwater, Australia

“Herbal Treasures”, Shaudys, Phyllis V., 1990, Garden Way Publishing, US

“Companion Planting”, Franck, Gertrude, 1983, Thorsons Publisher Ltd, Munchen

“Jekka’s Complete Herb Book” McVicar, J, 1995, Hodder Headline Australia Pty Ltd, Rydalmere, Australia

“Basic Companion Planting”, Bigwood, D.,1991, Shepp Books, Hornsby, Australia

‘Yates Companion Planting Guide’ sourced on 21 November 2013 http://www.yates.com.au/vegetables/tips/companion-planting/

“The Energetics of Western Herbs Vol 1” Holmes, P., 1997, Snow Lotus Press, Boulder, USA

“Cooking with Thyme” Belsinger, S, The Herb Companion Magazine, April/May 1997 Edition, Logan Chamberlain, USA