Here are pictures of the thyme and oregano that are excellent ground covers in Vicki’s garden.
(click on any image to view a larger version in another window)
‘Archer’s Gold’ thyme in summer is a bright, yellow-green:
but in late autumn, this thyme turns into a Persian carpet of many colors that persists through the winter:
‘Golden leaf Oregano’ is a common name given to more than one type of oregano. The one Vicki is recommending, labeled Origanum vulgare ‘‘Aureum,’ grows very much like the familiar Greek oregano that cooks use in the kitchen…but is a brilliant yellow-green in hot sun. In colder weather or part shade, it is a bright "grass green." With an inch of water every week, this oregano billows up into a mound that can
reach 12 to 14" tall and 4 feet wide. With less water it will, obviously, not fill in as quickly and will stay around 10-12" tall.
When shopping for this plant, be advised that the names ‘Golden leaf Oregano’ and Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’ have been given to more than one type of oregano. The other, often called "creeping golden oregano" or "creeping golden marjoram" is a just that–it is flat, creeps over the ground and does not make a golden mound. Also, it bleaches out to a pale yellow-white color in full sun.
The "bushy," or mounding, oregano Vicki has in her garden will look bushy in a 4-inch pot as well:
