Creeping thyme is the ground-cover thyme: a flat, spreading mat of tiny aromatic leaves, 2 to 3 inches high, that disappears under pink-purple flowers in early summer. It handles light foot traffic, fills cracks in paving, and works between stepping stones, where every step releases the scent. It is less intensely flavoured than English thyme but fully usable in cooking.
It is one of the lowest-maintenance plants in the garden: plant it in sun, in any soil that drains, and largely ignore it. Set plugs 12 to 18 inches apart and they knit together in a season or two. Water until established and then only in drought. Shear the mat lightly after flowering to keep it dense, and divide it in spring every few years to refresh it and to fill new gaps.
The flowers are so thick with bees in June that a lawn of it hums. It will not take heavy wear like a turf lawn, and it needs sharp drainage; a damp, shaded spot ends in bare patches. It is native to Europe and hardy in zones 4 to 9. Deer and rabbits leave it alone.
Root rot
Plants wilt, yellow, and stunt even in moist soil; lower stems and roots turn brown, soft, and mushy and the plant may collapse. Most common in heavy, wet, or poorly drained ground.
Improve drainage and stop overwatering, and never plant too deep. Lift and destroy badly affected plants along with the soil around the roots. Grow in raised or free-draining beds to prevent it returning.
Crown Rot
Lower leaves yellow and wilt; the base of the rosette turns brown and soft, sometimes with white fungal threads at the soil line. Plants collapse in wet conditions.
Remove and destroy affected plants. Improve drainage and avoid overhead watering. Do not mulch directly against the crown. Space plants for airflow and avoid replanting in the same wet spot.
Aphids
Aphididae →Clusters of small soft insects on new growth and flower buds.
Knock off with a strong jet of water. Ladybirds and lacewings are natural predators. Insecticidal soap as last resort.
Spider Mites
Tetranychus urticae →Fine stippling or bronzing on leaves, faint webbing on undersides, foliage drying out during hot, dry weather.
Spray foliage with a strong jet of water to dislodge mites. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to leaf undersides; repeat every 5–7 days as needed.