I used to think I didn't like thyme but when I replaced whatever my plant was with Thymus vulgaris (English thyme, German thyme, common thyme) I discovered how wonderful it was added to all sorts of things . . . now I use it all the time. :-)
So to speak :) Helpful spouse person pulled out all my thyme recently and chucked it in green waste So I need to ask neighbors or go and buy a new plant I see Margot has posted a name above so I will look for that ASAP at nursery I went yesterday but forgot (tho did manage to acquire more than what was on my dull practical list ... a few dollars later - ouch - but fun !)
I have a few of varieties that I regularly cook with, English, French and Lemon. The first two I like with steak or stuffing and the lemon I like with fish, it also looks rather nice in my herb planter. First two pictures are English, third French, fourth Lemon
English thyme, French thyme and German thyme are all Thymus vulgaris. Other names are Common thyme, Summer thyme, Winter thyme or Garden thyme. Lemon thyme is Thymus × citriodorus. So, you are cooking with just 2 different types of thyme. Your plants are gorgeous; wish mine were as lovely as yours because I enjoy cooking with fresh thyme too and never have enough. I read that it is at its most flavourful just before blooming.
Yeah I think your right about the just before blooming, I certainly notice that different ones taste stronger at different times, just hadn't really thought about why. My favourite is one called Silver Queen, it's got a really strong flavour, unfortunately it didn't grow so well after the winter so I don't have it to use at the moment.
