Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Plate from Flore médicale, Paris, 1833–1835. Biodiversity Heritage Library, no known copyright restrictions.
Small, woody, and hardy through the kind of neglect that kills softer herbs.
Growing it
Give it sun and gritty, well-drained soil, then mostly leave it alone. Overwatering is the only real risk.
Brewing a cup
A sprig or two steeped for a few minutes makes a warming, savoury tea — good with honey when a cold is circling.
