Does anyone know what herb this is?

Would that be some kind of oregano, Sheila? I can see the butterfly and bees just fine :-)

Thanks Klahanie. Well, I've no way of knowing whether you are right . . . I don't remember ever planting oregano (not a herb I've ever used), but of course if could have 'arrived' courtesy of the birds. The flowers smell a bit like thyme, but as the leaves show, it's not that!

Oregano and marjoram both smell a bit like thyme. If the leaves remind you of Italian cooking, my guess would be marjoram! Mine looks like that, and the bees adore it.

Thanks Mel . . . I'll go taste a leaf :))

Marjoram it is - thanks Susanne - next I must learn how to use it!

Chopped up in Bolognese sauce, Sheila, or in mixed herbs is how I use it :-)

Thanks again . . . spag bol next week then :))

It must be better fresh, but do you ever dry yours??

No, I don't. I must admit that I tend to use a bought dried herb mix during the winter. Rosemary, sage and thyme are always available, though. I sometimes dry fennel seeds, but I don't tend to use them so much, although I use the chopped foliage when it's available. The liquorice taste is lovely.

Yes, the dried mixed herbs are very useful. We're sort-of planning to re-do the herb bed in the autumn, but OH wants to take out the lovely 'Laura Ford' rose at one end, and I want to keep it! Watch this space . . .

it's not magiorana for me!

looks more like organo
maggiorana has small round leaves
and grows not tall but large and ground cover
maybe

in Italy we don't use maggiorana in tomato sauce but basilico..

looks a bit like Melissa does it have a lemon smell?

My marjoram (origanum majorana) rampages in all directions, spreads all over the place and delights the bees! I often use basil with tomato, but it only survives outside in the summertime, when it gets eaten by ... slugs, I suppose. I always plant a basil plant in each pot beside my tomatoes. The smell when I water them is heavenly. In winter I have it on the windowsill, along with mint and parsley.

Thanks Lia . . . certainly the 'lime' coloured plant just seen in front is Marjoram; the tall plant smells like thyme. I keep Basil in the greenhouse Mel - shame it isn't hardy :)

even here basil is only in summertime !

Yes - even on the windowsill in winter I have to take care of it. Such a lovely herb, though. The scent always reminds me of sausages, but I haven't yet found anyone who agrees with me!

It is a pretty herb. I am happy just to look at it as I haven't a clue how to use it!

Lol Wildrose :))