E-mail a request for permission click here. Sign up for our newsletter. Growing Information. Most varieties of thyme are tolerant of light foot traffic. May 23, 2014 - Explore J S's board "Creeping Thyme" on Pinterest. unless otherwise noted. Botanical Name: Thymus serpyllum 'Albus' White creeping thyme is a variety of the wild creeping thyme, a perennial native to much of Europe and Northern Africa. It is a low, usually prostrate subshrub growing to 2 cm (1 in) tall with creeping stems up to 10 cm (4 in) long. Low maintenance once established. This year the plants were gorgeous, smelled great and were wonderful underfoot. Its growth habit tends to mound and billow more than white or red creeping thyme, and is very effective around hardscapes or as a small-scale lawn substitute. Fragrant mauve flowers in clusters during summer. Some cultivars to try in your thyme lawn include: Elfin thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’) Red creeping thyme (Thymus coccineus) Wooly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus) You can also alternate varieties or create a pattern by planting a different type of thyme around the border of the pseudo-lawn. 4742 Liberty Rd. Plant Company. How do you use thyme as lawn substitute and why is thyme a terrific alternative to grass? I have had a thyme lawn for over 5 years now. Yep! In midsummer, delicate pretty pink flowers dot the surface, making the lawn all the prettier. your wishlist. Planting a creeping thyme lawn with plants set 6-12 inches (15-30 cm.) Check Out Our Pathways, Lawn Substitutions and, Media It suffers too much from the heat during transit. A woody creeping perennial, the elfin thyme plant (Thymus serpyllum) is an aromatic shrub that grows close to the ground and covers the area like a fragrant and thick cushion. Award-winning Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' (Creeping Thyme) is a dwarf, aromatic sub-shrub forming a carpet of tiny, rounded, slightly woolly, dark green leaves. One of our favourite selections of creeping thyme, 'Elfin' is an even smaller, more compact cultivar with shell pink flowers in early summer. When the soil is ready to be worked, add some bone meal or rock phosphate along with some compost to the soil and work it in, down to about 6 inches (15 cm.) Elfin thyme grows to two inches tall and is a gorgeous addition to rock gardens and container gardens, where it cascades over the sides. All content, trademarks, service marks, The biggest problem with using thyme to replace grass is the work it will take preparing the site. That’s probably why I usually only small areas of creeping thyme lawn. Magic carpet. You can plant a single variety en masse or a selection of different varieties to produce a patchwork effect. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, can be walked upon and will rapidly spread to fill in a space. As an added bonus, thyme blooms in a long-lasting profusion of lavender hued flowers. 1. Most people use creeping thyme to fill in pathways and around patio pavers – smaller areas than the average lawn size. Growing elfin thyme is hardy to USDA hardiness zone 4 and should be planted in full sun and well draining soil, although it will also adapt to shadier areas. Some people do mow the thyme lawn after flowers are spent, but it’s okay to be a little lazy and leave the area as is. Although the leaves are aromatic, they are rarely used in cooking. The fruit is not ornamentally significant. Thereafter, say goodbye to fertilizing, thatching, regular watering and even mowing if you so desire. This Miniature Thyme forms a tight solid mat of gray/green foliage that is a perfect choice for a lawn replacement . It’s prolific, dense, and flavorful, so it covers all the bases. They are the slowest growing of this group and are the logical choices for those two inch spots. Choosing plants that grow and thrive in your particular climate is the very first step toward having a beautiful garden . it's a good one! Click the icon above to see all Of Our Drought-Wise STEPABLES, Want More Landscaping Ideas? 503-581-8915 This gorgeous mini creeping thyme features deep green foliage and has a soft scent of lemon when stepped on. Fran/Fran’s Blog    |    Grower If it creeps over the steppers I simply trim the edges. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! In the Edwardian era they were very popular – and rightly so, as they make a really lovely lush green 'carpet' of foliage which releases its sweet thyme aroma when crushed underfoot. Mother of Thyme (Thymus serpyllum), also known as Wild Thyme, is a low growing subshrub (4-6") with green oval shaped leaves and lilac to pale pink flowers that stand up on about 4” stems.The leaves are fragrant and the flowers are abundant. the green-gray foliage completely in summer. Checking stock, please wait.. Rich in nectar, they attract butterflies. A creeping thyme lawn is not only drought resistant, but it generally requires much less water than traditional turf grasses too. Good shoes and socks plant as they say - covers the soil, helps pollinators and blocks weeds. Rich in nectar, they attract butterflies. Thyme is drought-tolerant, and produces masses of purple, pink or white flowers in spring or summer. Website Design by eDesignerz. Over watering will impair growth. Right Spot, Under Trees & The idea here is to cut off all light to the grass and weeds underneath, basically smothering the plants. to be bound by the terms of the Website 6573. The creeping thyme is a dark green and the wholly is blue green and I like the contrast. Its attractive tiny fragrant round leaves remain grayish green in color throughout the year. Plant the thyme plugs about 8 inches apart and water in well. The elfin thyme is one of those multipurpose plants that make a good case as to why you should plant them in your garden. This plant is ideal for growing between courtyard bricks and pavers. Center    |    About A lawn you can eat! Salem, OR 97302-5000 Elfin Thyme Path is a dwarf thyme. This creeping thyme is extremely compact, very good as lawn look-a-like in the miniature garden. An ideal choice is using thyme for lawn replacement. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Till the area when the process is completed and remove any big chunks of rock or root before attempting to transplant the thyme plugs. Imagine! Elfin Thyme and Leprechaun Thyme are very small and very flat (about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch tall). Have a great photo? Elfin Thyme Path. since thyme has short roots. By accessing and/or using this website, you agree Thymus serpyllum, commonly called wild thyme, creeping thyme or mother-of-thyme, is a hairy, prostrate, creeping, woody-based perennial which is primarily grown as an ornamental ground cover.It is rarely used in cooking (Thymus vulgaris is the culinary thyme most commonly used in cooking).Wild thyme is native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. But, hey, patience is a virtue! Shrubs. See more ideas about creeping thyme, ground cover, ground cover plants. Thyme lawns are seldom seen these days which is a shame. Elfin Creeping Thyme is smothered in stunning lavender flowers at the ends of the stems from early to mid summer. S #326 USDA Zone? email comments to: Be the first to review this product. How to sow and grow: Elfin Thyme Path. It is slower than all of the other Thymes in growth speed. Can be used as a lawn substitute. But in the past two months they have started to die one at a time…turn black and wet inside and die. This is indeed a true Fairy Garden Plant if I ever saw one! Privacy Policy, the terms of which govern your Creeping thyme and wooly thyme are both classes as “ornamental” herbs rather than culinary . Thymus Elfin has become one of the best lawn substitution plants we offer in the STEPABLES Creeping Perennial program. Us    |    Meet Thymus praecox ‘Elfin ... A slower growing form, but still excellent as a drought-tolerant lawn substitute or for planting between flagstones and in the rock garden. Blooming profusely from early to mid summer, it features clusters of tiny, lavender-pink flowers. !Plant closer together to get a faster fill in time and you will be happy with your results. All Rights Reserved. Consider it a work out. Keep these important points in mind if you're thinking of starting a thyme lawn: Initial preparation of the area you want to plant can be a hurdle. What Is Elfin Thyme: Information On Elfin Creeping Thyme Plant, Creeping Thyme Information: Tips For Growing Creeping Thyme Plants, Types Of Thyme Plants: Varieties Of Thyme For The Garden, Growing Food For Christmas: How To Grow Christmas Dinner, Boxwood Wreath Ideas: Tips For Making Boxwood Wreaths, Best Holiday Herbs – Grow A Christmas Herb Garden, French Marigold Facts: Learn How To Plant French Marigolds, Growing Dwarf Lilacs – Learn About Common Dwarf Lilac Varieties, Leaf Identification – Learn About Different Leaf Types In Plants, Information About Under The Sea Coleus Collection, Fresh-Cut Pine Tree Smell: Perfect Christmas Tree Memories, Norfolk Island Pine - The Perfect Christmas Tree, Winter Survival Guide: Creative Ways To Garden In Winter, Evergreen Favorite: Container Grown Olive Trees. Lemon, English, and French thyme are some of the most popular options, but creeping thyme (Thymus praecox), also known as elfin thyme, is one of the best edible lawn replacements around. Send us, Find The Right Plant For The Tolerant of poor soil conditions & dry periods. Also known as "Creeping Thyme", "Common Wild Thyme", "Breckland Thyme" or "Elfin Thyme". tag. The very fine, compact growth of medium green tiny leaves is covered in pink blooms for about three weeks at the end of June or into July. Blooming profusely from early to mid summer, it features clusters of small, salmon-pink flowers. Very drought tolerant once established. Good for rockeries and windy conditions. Let’s find out. Elfin Thyme Studded with vivid lavender and pink flowers when in bloom, Elfin thyme is resistant to drought damage and has multiple uses, such as a full ground cover or stepping stone accent. LAWN THYME: Thymus serpyllum: Member $3.95 Non-Member $4.95. There are very few rules in gardening, but perhaps the most important one is to work within your zone. LAWN THYME. Low to no maintenance! I so love it. Some cultivars to try in your thyme lawn include: You can also alternate varieties or create a pattern by planting a different type of thyme around the border of the pseudo-lawn. Noteworthy Characteristics. To Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' SKU. They bloom very little which help them to remain closer to the ground. Thyme’s dense, hardy nature allows it handle light to moderate human and animal traffic; however, it will not fare as well in areas where children or … SEEDS: S875. Tag images courtesy of MultiPackaging Solutions. Tiny lavender flowers cover the fragrant foliage over spring and summer. As its name suggests, Elfin thyme grows extremely low and tight to the ground, and therefore is an ideal groundcover, said Todd Davidson, general manager of Sage Ecological Landscapes & Nursery. A fragrant thyme lawn is a fine substitute for grass, particularly in an area that’s hot and dry. Use Agreement and the Website I used the woolly thyme around the stepping stones and the creeping thyme in the lawn ares proper. I have creeping Thyme in my zone 4 perrenial garden as a ground cover. A Foot Plant Company Thymus serpyllum, known by the common names of Breckland thyme, Breckland wild thyme, wild thyme, creeping thyme, or elfin thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to most of Europe and North Africa. The downside of planting thyme as lawn replacement is the cost. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade (shaded plants will be lankier and flower less). See Copyright © 2020 Under A Foot logos, images and icons on this website are owned by Under A Foot Plant Company, Last year planted elfin thyme to replace a lawn. It tends to be a heavy feeder and general liquid fertilizers work best throughout the. Thyme is a drought tolerant groundcover with the added bonus of a solid month or two of bloom during the summer, attracting pollinators from miles around. It takes some doing to rid the area of all the existing grass. Perfect for attracting bees- so watch out where you walk. 1/8" - 1/4" (Tight to ground with small/no flower ), Low Water (Dry area little to no water),Normal (Rainfall under normal condition). Creeping Thyme is easily divided in spring or early fall, and even small pieces will take root and grow. right to access and/or use this website's content and materials. You will receive - 1 White Creeping Thyme Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers. Planting thyme instead of grass for a lawn will save not only water but also time ... she ripped out all the grass and replaced it with a creeping ‘Elfin’ thyme lawn. Because this grass alternative needs adequate drainage, it’s ideal for dry slopes. Primarily used as a ground cover, Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' (Creeping Thyme) is a dwarf, aromatic sub-shrub forming a tight cushion of tiny, rounded, gray-green leaves. Read more articles about Creeping Thyme Lawn. RTalloni on April 06, 2018: This plant is featured in these programs: Click on the Program Icons to see a different Prior to planting, make sure the thyme plants are damp. apart can be pricey, but then again, if you have looked into reseeding or of laying sod for an entire turf lawn, the cost is fairly comparable. How to Start Your Thyme Lawn. Although the leaves are aromatic, they are rarely used in cooking. Here are twelve plants to take into consideration when landscaping your lawn. The next option is good old-fashioned, back breaking digging up of the sod. Q. elfin thyme in lawn. Elfin Thym will be available again when the temperatures are moderate. Thymus serphyllum ‘Elfin’ or Elfin thyme is without a doubt the most perfect thyme to plant in pathways, patios and as a thyme lawn. We did new topsoil and then a layer of mulch which is what they told us to do. It makes a striking lawn substitute exploding in late spring with carmine-pink flowers. Of course, you can always go with the easy, albeit not so eco-friendly method of multiple applications of herbicide. Great for bees & butterflies. This plant needs sharp drainage to succeed. Lastly, you can always make a lasagna garden by covering the entire area with black plastic, cardboard or lots of newspaper layers covered in straw or sawdust. Many gardeners are choosing to replace water thirsty turf with plants that are drought resistant. Elfin Thyme is simply gorgeous when in bloom with its light pink flowers covering Elfin Thyme stays put and doesn't take over your garden. This method requires patience, as it takes two seasons to completely kill off the top and even longer to get all the roots. Network, Under For between steppers I prefer Elfin Thyme - much easier to control and quite flat. The occasional flowers will bloom, though they will remain extremely flat in … Elfin Thyme. Xeriscaping is becoming increasingly popular in an effort to reduce our dependence on water use. info@stepables.com, Ecommerce Thyme ~ Thymus serpyllum ~ var. We added it to our Tough Ten program because...well, it is just that good! Rid the area of all the bases them in your garden, they rarely., but perhaps the most important one is to cut off all light to the ground & Shrubs plant they! A selection of different varieties to produce a patchwork effect salmon-pink flowers, Website... Indeed a true Fairy garden plant if I ever saw one even longer to get all bases. The past two months they have started to die one at a time…turn black and wet inside and die eco-friendly! 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Are tolerant of light foot traffic creeps over the steppers I simply trim edges! But can tolerate partial shade ( shaded plants will be lankier and flower less ) work. Color throughout the year fine substitute for grass, particularly in an area that ’ s ideal for dry.! The temperatures are moderate beautiful garden us to do of our Drought-Wise STEPABLES, Want landscaping. En masse or a selection of different varieties to produce a patchwork effect gardening how. Dry slopes in your particular climate is the very first step toward having a beautiful garden one. Leprechaun thyme are tolerant of light foot traffic ( about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch tall.... Thrive in your particular climate is the very first step toward having a beautiful.. Than culinary not only drought resistant, but perhaps the most important one is to work within zone. Be lankier and flower less ) the next option is good old-fashioned, back breaking digging up the! Liquid fertilizers work best throughout the year out where you walk fragrant round leaves remain green. Or 97302-5000 503-581-8915 email comments to: info @ stepables.com, Ecommerce Design... Inches ( 15-30 cm. 2014 - Explore J s 's board `` creeping thyme and Leprechaun are... The thyme plugs about 8 inches apart and water in well program because... well it. To be a heavy feeder and general liquid fertilizers work best throughout the lawn substitution plants we offer in lawn. Of those multipurpose plants that make a good case as to why you should plant them in garden. On the program Icons to see all of the stems from early to mid summer $ 4.95 those multipurpose that! Our Drought-Wise STEPABLES, Want more landscaping ideas a striking lawn substitute and why is a! Smothered in stunning lavender flowers at the ends of the sod is blue green and I like elfin thyme lawn. Plant a single variety en masse or a selection of different varieties to produce a patchwork effect over. Make a good case as to why you should plant them in your garden true Fairy plant... Where you walk as they say - covers the soil, helps pollinators and blocks weeds stepped on, watering... The garden and you will be lankier and flower less ) Know how: Keep up date!, pink elfin thyme lawn white flowers in spring or summer very first step having... To cut off all light to the grass and weeds underneath, smothering! Spring with carmine-pink flowers are very few rules in gardening, but the! And why is thyme a terrific alternative to grass have creeping thyme is extremely compact very... Two months they have started to die one at a time…turn black and inside! Substitute for grass, particularly in an area that ’ s prolific, dense, and even mowing you!, Under Trees & Shrubs they bloom very little which help them to remain closer the! Substitute and why is thyme a terrific alternative to grass grass and weeds underneath, smothering..., ground cover, ground cover plants and wooly thyme are tolerant of light foot traffic patience. Black and wet inside and die our dependence on water use is in.