Tag: Durham County Cooperative Extension

Upcoming Gardening Events: May 2026

On By durhammastergardenersIn ask a master gardener, Durham NC, gardening education, gardening in NC, Uncategorized

Learn With Us

Ask a Master Gardener Program is an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions about gardening and learn more about the NC State Extension Master GardenerSM program. Durham County Master GardenerSM volunteers are available to provide answers using research-based information about plants and plant problems.

A smiling woman in a green apron stands among people, surrounded by plants. She has curly hair and glasses.
Two master gardener volunteers sitting at a table in a garden, smiling and engaging with visitors. One is writing, while the other holds a cane. Various gardening materials and jars are displayed on the table.

(Image credit: Allie Mullin)

You’ll find Extension Master Gardener volunteers at the following community events ready for your questions: 

Saturday, May 2

  • 10:00 am – 3:00 pm NC Museum of Life & Science in conjunction with their event Bird Bonanza, 433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham.
  • 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Durham County Library Plant Swap, Main Library branch, 300 N, Roxboro St, Durham.

Sunday, May 3, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm  Durham County Extension Master Gardener Demonstration Garden, in conjunction with Keep Durham Beautiful’s 3rd annual Durham Garden Tour, Durham Co. Extension Office, 721 Foster St, Durham.

Saturday, May 16, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Durham Farmer’s Market at Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham.

Saturday, May 23, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm South Durham Farmer’s Market, 500 Park Offices Dr. (parking lot), Durham.

Saturday, May 30, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm 

  • 9:00 am – 12:00 pm South Durham Farmer’s Market, 500 Park Offices Dr. (parking lot), Durham
  • 10:00 am – 3:00 pm NC Museum of Life & Science in conjunction with their event Party for the Planet, 433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham.

Hattie Meadows Gardening School

In honor of a beloved Durham gardener Hattie Meadows, the community is invited to take part in the new Hattie Meadows Gardening School. This free community learning series is a partnership between Durham Cooperative Extension, Durham County Library, and Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Monthly classes will feature local teachers and gardening experts sharing practical knowledge on a wide range of gardening topics. It is perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Free, but space is limited and registration is required.

A close-up of a flowering indigo plant with pink blossoms and green leaves against a blurred background of foliage.
Close-up of the purple flowers of a salvia plant with green leaves and a bee hovering among them.

(Left to right)True indigo plant (Indigofera tinctoria) used to make blue dye naturally. Scenes from the Durham County Extension’s Demonstration Garden. (Image credit: Himanshu Sarpotdar CC BY-NC-ND 2.0; Allie Mullin)

This program is entitled “Languages of the Land: Getting to Know Native Fiber and Dye Plants” and presented by Adé Oni, founder of dìèdìè textile micromill and studio.The earth gives us everything we need to survive and adorn our lives. Let’s get to know the material culture and ancient relationships between food, fibers, and dyes. This is an interactive session for people who love and want to learn about land-based creativity rooted in Black and Indigenous ecologies. Make sure to bring a textile item that you love.

History is filled with countless stories that help us understand how gardening got to be what it is today. Come hear about what special people, places and events contributed to this awesome craft of gardening.Presented by Bryce Lane, NC State Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Emeritus and former host and producer three-time, Emmy winning, UNC TV public television show “In the Garden With Bryce Lane.”

Durham Garden Forum

Close-up of a green leaf infested with clusters of small green aphids.

Aphids, a common garden pest, are often located on the undersides of leaves. (Image credit: NC Cooperative Extension)

Pests and Diseases, virtual talk with Dr. Matt Bertone, Director of the NC State Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (PDIC), and Mike Munster, PDIC plant disease and diagnostician for commercial ornamentals. Tuesday, May 19, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. (Fee for non-members. Durham Garden Forum membership information and program details.

Learn with our Community Friends

Sara P. Duke Gardens

Bearing Witness with Nature-based Art: A Grief Journey with Gaza. Sunday, May 3, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Pop-up exhibit and artist talk with The Witness about their evolving art practice that centers around themes of identity, belonging, grief and sorrow. The Witness will share how applying images to fresh leaves and paper has allowed them to process the immense reactions and sorrow that emerged from witnessing the suffering Gaza. They will share how their nature-based art has changed in response to the seasons and a need for stronger creative expression. This talk offers an intimate view into their art practice and the stories around it. Free program, registration required. Registration and additional information for Bearing Witness exhibit and artist talk.

JC Raulston Arboretum

All May Midweek Programs are free, virtual, and require pre-registration.

“Per-annuals,” with Tim Alderton. Wednesday, May 6, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Per-annuals program details and registration.

“PLT Premiere: Mexican Plants,” with Dennis Carey, Curator. Wednesday, May 13, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Mexican plants registration and information.

“Top 5 – Clumping Bamboos,” with Tony Avent and Evan Villani, JLBG Founder and JCRA Research Technician. Wednesday, May 20, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Bamboo program details and registration.

“Cool European Plants,” with Tim Alderton. May 27, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. European plants program registration and information.

Durham County Public Library

Plant Swap, Saturday, May 2, 12:30 – 2:30 pm, Main Library branch, 300 N. Roxboro St., Durham. Spring Community Plant Swap includes cuttings, seeds, bulbs, saplings, and more.

Edited by Melinda Heigel, NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer of Durham County

Article Short Link: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-7nK

Cuban Thyme and Marjoram: Two Tasty Herbs to Try

On By durhammastergardenersIn edibles, gardening, gardening in pots, herbs, Uncategorized

By Mebette Eckhardt, NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer of Durham County

With warmer temperatures, local plant sales, and bustling nurseries full of plants, the growing season has arrived! Are you in the middle of planning your edibles garden? Extension Master Gardener volunteer Mebette Eckhardt invites to you consider growing two herbs that just might be new to you.

Cuban Thyme and Marjoram: Two Tasty Herbs to Try

Most people know herbs like basil and parsley, but there are other flavorful plants that deserve a spot in your kitchen and garden. Two of these are Cuban thyme and marjoram. Both herbs are easy to grow, packed with flavor, and useful in a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned gardener, these herbs can add something special to your meals—and your growing space.

Close-up of vibrant green leaves with white edges, showcasing a healthy plant in a sunny environment.

Cuban thyme (Plectranthus amboinicus) with variegated foliage. (Image credit: David J. Stang CC BY-SA 4.0)

Discovering Cuban Thyme at the Farmers Market

Earlier this year, I was volunteering as a master gardener at the South Durham Farmers Market. It was a sunny morning, and I was helping out near a booth filled with seedlings and transplants. One plant stood out to me—it had thick, fuzzy leaves and looked a lot like a coleus. I was curious but skeptical. Could something that ornamental really be edible?

The woman at the booth smiled and said, “That’s Cuban oregano. Some people call it Cuban thyme.” I had never heard of it before, but I decided to give it a try. That plant has since become one of my favorite herbs to use in the kitchen. I now add Cuban thyme to meatballs, meatloaf, and even pasta sauce. Its bold flavor brings a warm, savory taste that makes simple meals feel special.

What Is Cuban Thyme?

Cuban thyme (Plectranthus amboinicus) is also known as Spanish thyme, Mexican mint, or Indian borage. It’s popular in Caribbean, African, and Southeast Asian cooking. The leaves are thick and fleshy, and the aroma is strong—similar to oregano or traditional thyme, but more intense. It’s often used in stews, soups, beans, and meat dishes.

Because Cuban thyme has a powerful flavor, you only need a small amount to make a big impact. It works especially well in slow-cooked meals, where its taste can blend and mellow over time. In addition to cooking, Cuban thyme has been used in traditional medicine to help with coughs, digestion, and skin irritation.

I grow my Cuban thyme in a pot inside my kitchen, where it gets plenty of light and is easy to reach while cooking. It’s also a fantastic propagator—just snip a healthy stem, place it in water or moist soil, and it roots quickly. It’s one of the easiest herbs to multiply and share with friends.

How to Grow Cuban Thyme in Zone 8a

Cuban thyme thrives in warm climates like USDA Zone 8a.

  • Sun: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
  • Water: Water when the soil feels dry; avoid overwatering
  • Soil: Well-drained soil or potting mix
  • Tip: Grows well in containers and can be brought indoors during cold snaps

Marjoram: A New Favorite in the Garden

Marjoram stood out to me as an herb I knew little about and used infrequently. I wanted to learn more, so I found a plant at a local nursery. It turned out to be a lovely, versatile herb that grows well in my garden, which is mostly clay. Since I planted it, it has flowered over and over again. It seems to love its spot next to the black and bloom salvia in my sunny front yard, and I’ve come to appreciate its gentle flavor and cheerful blooms.1

Lush green herbaceous plants growing densely.

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) grows as a low, bushy herb plant, with oval leaves and soft green texture. (Image credit: Forest & Kim Starr CC BY 2.0)

What Is Marjoram?

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is a soft, sweet herb related to oregano. It has a gentle flavor with hints of citrus and flowers. Marjoram is popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking and works well in soups, sauces, roasted vegetables, and poultry dishes.

Because marjoram has a light taste, it’s best to add it toward the end of cooking so the flavor doesn’t disappear. It’s also used in herb blends like herbes de Provence and za’atar. Some people make tea with marjoram to help with digestion or to relax.

How to Grow Marjoram in Zone 8a

Marjoram is easy to grow in Zone 8a’s mild climate.

  • Sun: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
  • Water: Keep soil lightly moist but not soggy
  • Soil: Well-drained soil with good airflow
  • Tip: Trim often to encourage bushy growth and prevent early flowering

Why Use These Herbs?

Cuban thyme and marjoram are great for different kinds of meals. Cuban thyme is bold and works well in hearty dishes like stews, meats, and pasta sauces. Marjoram is soft and sweet, perfect for lighter meals like vegetables, soups, and chicken.

Both herbs are easy to grow, even in small spaces, and they offer more than just flavor. They’ve been used in traditional remedies and can support wellness in simple ways. Whether you’re cooking dinner or planting your garden, Cuban thyme and marjoram are herbs worth knowing.

Notes

1–When herbs are allowed to flower, they shift from producing tender, aromatic leaves — the part used in cooking — to focusing on reproduction (flowers and seed heads). That change toughens the plant leaf texture and concentrates bitter compounds. It’s the plant’s natural way of completing its life cycle, but for cooks and gardeners, it often means leaves that are less delicate, less aromatic, and far less enjoyable to eat. If you want to extend the period of time you can enjoy your herbs, simply pinch off flowers as they develop to delay this process.

Resources and Additional Information

Read more about marjoram on the NC State Extension’s Plant Toolbox: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/origanum-majorana/

Read more about Cuban thyme on the NC State Extension’s Plant Toolbox: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/plectranthus-amboinicus/

Learn more about Cuban thyme’s growing conditions from the University of Florida IFAS Extension: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/cuban-oregano/

Here is a helpful guide to growing marjoram from the University of Florida IFAS Extension: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pascoco/2024/06/13/spice-up-your-life-a-beginners-guide-to-growing-marjoram/

Herbs can be used in many ways, including as landscaping plants as Clemson Cooperative Extension describes: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/herbs/

Revisit a 2017 post on our blog about growing thyme and oregano: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-Wf

Edited by Astrid Cook-Dail, NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer of Durham County

Article Short Link: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-6ZL