Imagine a classic fable featuring thyme, wild thyme, savory, and farigoulette thriving in a herb garden—no weeds in sight, just aromatic and medicinal plants cherished by gardeners. These 'herbes de bonne femme' trace their name to 'bonne fame,' meaning good reputation, evolving into our word 'famous.' As an experienced gardener, I've cultivated these companions for years; they thrive in beds and infuse herbal teas with their virtues when steeped in 75°C water post-flowering.
Wild thyme (serpolet) and farigoulette (farigoule) are both thymes—distinct varieties, unrelated to any color loss from hot tea. While common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is well-known, serpolet (Thymus serpyllum), or creeping thyme, earns its own French name. This low-growing plant boasts stunning pink summer blooms, perfect for rock gardens or dry stone walls.
Farigoulette, the Occitan name for Thymus vulgaris, flourishes in sun-baked scrubland amid limestone pebbles. That garrigue landscape is as beautiful as it is fragrant. Places rich in thyme are called frigolet, frigoulousse, or friguierè.
Thymes are powerhouse aromatic plants packed with essential oils, making them indispensable in any garden.
With bactericidal properties, thyme serves as a soothing herbal tea for respiratory infections and nervous tension. Need calm? Breathe in thyme!
Before gracing your teacup (perhaps with a spoonful of honey), thyme earns its keep repelling cabbage butterflies—those spring whites that lay eggs on brassicas, letting caterpillars lace your leaves. Thyme also enhances neighboring plants' flavors.
Plant in full sun on lean, calcareous soil. Vary varieties from reputable sources. Wild thyme handles -10°C; common thyme, -15°C.
Growing your own preserves wild populations—overharvesting flowering plants reduces seeds. Leave scrubland intact and plant aromatics at home.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Pair thyme with savory and rosemary—they share soil and low-maintenance needs. Shear post-flowering for bushier growth, but note rosemary's vigor and height (even creepers).
Thyme in bloom
A thyme cousin, savory comes as annual Satureja hortensis (garden essential) or perennial Satureja montana. 'Satureja' nods to satyrs; it's also 'donkey pepper' in French—no Le Mans link! Perennial savory takes -20°C; annuals hate frost.
Fit these into the same habitat with sage, lavender, and santolina. For planters, use well-draining mixes and full sun.
