Thymus

This low-growing, tiny-leaved, very aromatic creeper spreads slowly to form a dense, carpet-like mat. Bears petite lavender flowers in the late spring. Grows well in full sun or light shade but needs light, porous, well-drained soil. Does well in sandy soil. Excellent in rock gardens, containers, or between stepping stones. Will tolerate light foot traffic; releases it pleasant aroma when stepped on.

Long, trailing stems; small roundish leaves. The small, pinkish-purple flowers appear in summer.

This classic, low growing groundcover is often planted between the stones or bricks in garden paths for its beauty and sweet minty aroma. Can be used on for hanging down walls, but leaves have little aroma without bruising. Similar to garden thyme but smaller, mat-forming and deciduous. Produces masses of tiny purple flowers in whorls over an extended flowering period from late spring through summer and a golden flush with spring growth. Once established, it is not only drought tolerant, but prefers drier, low fertility soil. Wild thyme covers large areas of droughty, rocky soils in southern Europe, and similar landscapes in the Berkshire and Catskill mountains. Considered important honeybee plant. Greece is known for producing wild thyme honey. Can be used for cooking. Used medicinally an antiseptic and as a respiratory dilator.