<snip> The thing to remember about culinary herbs is that most are
> Mediterranean plants, plants accustomed to growing on poor soil and with
> little water. My herb garden is on a slight rise above the rest of the
> property and in sandy soil. Rosemary grows like the weed it is as does
> oregano. The only herbs I have problems with are sage and thyme, the
> sage is finally growing well but the thyme struggles. I may have to
> duplicate an area of the British isles or some part of France to have
> thyme succeed. <snip>

I have two different sage plants going this year. The common is
doing better after re-locating it where it could spread out a bit--it
is a running type. Got it at Central Market down in Houston last year
and it managed to live through the winter. The other one, narrow,
light green, kind of fuzzy leaves, started from seed and it is
steadily growing.

My soil is somewhat sandy. I have raised beds. I direct sow all my
kitchen scraps (compost). I read about doing it that way in a book
called "Let It Rot". It breaks down pretty quick when it's warm
outside and I have lovely, fat earthworms slithering around. So, the
soil isn't rich but, it ain't real poor either. I guess it is middle-
class soil.
: - )

I bought 4 different types of thyme. This is my first time with it.
Everyone is doing okay so far. Of course, the blistering heat/
humidity hasn't really hit yet.

I don't even bother to water the rosemary. I probably have it
convinced I hate it and that is why it is still living. Secretly
though, I really *love* the smell of it.
: - )

My unofficially adopted daughter bought me two bay trees back in March
for my birthday. The lady she bought them from at the farmer's market
(in Austin) said to plant them in 1-gallon containers and then ignore
them--they thrive on neglect. They are doing okay. I'll probably be
dead by the time they are big enough to transplant into the yard.

Oregano and marjoram is spreading like crazy. I gave them some more
room this year.

I just planted some butternut squash. I hope it makes it. I love the
stuff and would be so pleased to serve it at Thanksgiving knowing I
grew it meself.

: - )