1. Leisure and Cultural Services Department Planting Herbs in School Scheme 2012/13 Thyme Rosemary Mint

2. Thyme  Scientific name: Thymus sp.  Common name: Thyme  Family: Lamiaceae (Labitae)  Native: Mediterranean region

3. Thyme  Growth Habits and Care  Thyme prefers a warm, sunny and well-ventilated environment and grows well in well-drained sandy soil.  Do not cut off the woody parts of the branches while pruning, as the woody parts are aging that are weak in regeneration ability, the whole plant may die when the woody parts are cut.

4. Thyme  Pest and Disease Prevention  Thyme is resistant to pests and diseases  If pests or diseases are found, spray the plant with insecticide and fungicide immediately. Remove the infected parts.  Horticultural Application and Economic Value  Thyme has a mildly scented flavour that has a refreshing effect.  Suitable for cultivation in gardens, herb gardens and roof gardens.  Widely used in aromatherapy, perfume production, cooking, making of herb tea etc.

5. Rosemary  Scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis  Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)  A perennial evergreen shrub  Native: Mediterranean region

6. Rosemary  Growth Habits and Care  Grows well in warm climate and cool environment with adequate sunlight  Excessive pruning hinders the growth of new shoots on older branches. Trimming should be restricted to half the length of the branches.

7. Rosemary  Pest and Disease Prevention  Highly resistant to pests and diseases  If signs of pest or disease are found, spray the plant with insecticide and fungicide immediately and remove the infected parts.  Horticultural Application and Economic Value  The stems, leaves and flowers of Rosemary have a unique strong fragrance  Most suitable for cultivation in gardens, courtyards and on rooftops  Used for cooking (such as making lamb dishes, tea, wine and vinegar), making facial masks and bath salts.

8. Mint  Scientific name: Mentha sp.  Common name: Mint  Family: Lamiaceae (Labitae)  A perennial herb of Mentha  Current Origin : Grown in the United States, Italy, France and the United Kingdom, China as well as some other parts of Asia.

9. Mint  Growth Habits and Care  Prefers a warm, moist and well-ventilated environment  Full sunlight  Grows best in well-drained soil with organic matter and a pH between 6.5 and 7.5  Not drought-tolerant and therefore needs plenty of water

10. Mint  Prevention of Pests and Diseases  Diseases: In spring, the stem of Mint is susceptible to rusts, which dry up the leaves.  Remove infected plants once found. Spray fungicide afterwards.  Pests: Mint is pest- repellent.  Horticultural Application and Economic Value  The leaves of Mint, with a strong, fresh, delicious scent of spearmint, can refresh the brain and stimulate thinking  Mint: An ideal choice for herb gardens and roof gardens  Also be used for cooking and production of herbal tea, medicines, beverages, food, etc.

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