Herbs in Winter: Lavender, Thyme, Oregano

Here are pictures of the lavender, thyme, and oregano I planted last year.  I think they started out as 4" pots.  Not having grown them before, I didn't know if they'd overwinter, but they have and they've also provided good flavor through the winter months!

Lavender in the back and thyme to the front left (on the right is Blue Rug Juniper - not for cooking!) with a natural mulch of leaves.

I've taken a sprig of the lavender and put it in a vase where it lasted for weeks in the house.  Outdoors, it's not quite as bushy as it is during the warmer months, but it's healthy.  The thyme is still flavorful even though it gets a slight purply winter color.  Just strip off the leaves with your finger nail and throw into any dish for awsome flavor!

Lavender close up.

Oregano (it's in there!) grows close to the ground and spreads like a ground cover.

Oregano does die back some in the winter, but there's still enough to enjoy and survive until spring.

There's no need to water these herbs much in the winter as they are native to areas with poor, dry soils.  And these three are not invasive (like mint or basil which need to be planted in a confined space) so they can be used as greenery in your landscape.