A number of herbs, used chiefly for cooking, aromatics, medicine and crafts, are now being considered for yet another application…as landscape ornamentals. Thyme is at the top of the list. Generally considered an herb and relegated to the traditional herb garden, thyme is now being sought by landscape professionals and homeowners for its versatility and ease of cultivation. It is not a bad ornamental either. The colorful flowers, winter foliage, and cascading habits of some cultivars are extremely useful in softening rock walls, paths, and the edges of perennial borders.
While ground covers for shade are plentiful, dry, sunny sites, or sites with poor soils, don’t enjoy a wide repertoire of candidates for success. Herbs are the natural choice in these spots, but landscapers are only beginning to use them. Comfreys, such as yellow flowered Symphytum grandiflorum or the blue flowered and robust form, ‘Hidcote Blue’ makes terrific ground covers for sun. Also newly recognized are the polygonums like ‘Border Jewel’ and ‘Dimity’. But thyme, in all its forms and habits, offers the widest selection of plants for specified applications.
Garden designers will want to include thyme as a companion to roses, (here, the culinary and larger forms may be used) as filler among stepping-stones. With a well-protected root site, under the stepping stones, some of the marginally hardy forms are more successful. Thyme is a great equalizer, and seeded, or wedged into crevices, it may be useful to soften steps and “romanticize” concrete flaws. Many varieties must be reproduced from cuttings to guarantee specific traits, but just as many forms are “true” from seed and may be direct seeded into sidewalk cracks and around building foundations. Of course, we also value the cascading and creeping habit of some thyme to tumble over walls and rocks. Choosing the right cultivar is important. Some situations call for colorful flowers, so T. praecox articus ‘Coccineus’, and T. glabrescens are in order. In others, the foliage is most important. For these, try the lemon scented ‘Doone Valley’ or wooly ‘Longwood’. White moss thyme, (T. praecox articus ‘Albus’), with its pronounced fragrance and tiny, light green leaves, is an excellent spreader and perfect among; avers, where light foot traffic will release its scent. The flowers are white and will not clash with nearby perennials.
Growers may want to consider the commercial possibilities in using thyme ornamentally. Since landscapers do not immediately think of herb farms as sources for materials, it is necessary to network before growing on a large scale. Landscapers prefer the convenience and economy of flats when purchasing perennials for mass applications. Flats of woodruff, thyme, comfrey, and ginger are easier to transport to the planting site and lighter on the budget than potted plants. Propagators are saved the time and materials used in potting up and may keep many more flats in stock. A few well-placed announcements and a good supply of flats during the spring rush may establish a new source of revenue for small growers.