does your garden still smell like grandma’s thyme?
Every time I brush past the old thyme bush by my porch, I’m taken back to my grandmother’s kitchen—her hands dusted with flour, a pot of stew simmering, and the sharp, earthy scent of thyme filling the air. These days, though, I see my neighbors pulling up their herbs to make way for gravel and succulents, all in the name of drought tolerance and modern landscaping. I get it—our summers are hotter, water bills are climbing, and everyone’s talking about native plants. But I can’t help but feel a pang of loss for the gardens of my childhood, where thyme, mint, and chives grew wild and free, not just for show but for sharing.
Is it old-fashioned to want a patch of green that’s more than just ornamental? Some say herbs are messy, attract bees, and clash with the HOA’s tidy rules. Others argue that a garden should be a living memory, a place where flavors and stories are passed down. I find myself caught between wanting to honor tradition and needing to adapt to new realities.
What about you? Are you sticking with the old ways, or have you embraced the new drought-friendly look? Do you ever miss the scent of thyme on a summer evening, or is it time to let go?
#gardeningdebate #herbgardens #familytraditions #Gardening
