Once Upon a Thyme Trivia Quiz

Answer: Makes cats euphoric

Nepeta is the genus of over 250 catnip or catmint plants. Apart from its strange powers over cats, catnip is harmless to humans and other animals. It can be made into a relaxing tea. (By the way, "Sylvester" is a well known cartoon cat.)

Answer: Soap

Lavandula angustifolia is a species of lavender. "Hidcote" and "Munstead" are two of the best-known cultivars of this sun-loving garden plant. It grows about two feet tall, with blueish green stalks and leaves. The lavender flowers carry the best fragrance.

Answer: Basil

Ocimum basilicum is the Latin name for the herb basil. It's a fairly short green leafy plant that should be used before it flowers, as it may turn bitter. It's a staple of Italian cooking. You would generally find whole fresh basil leaves on top of a classic Margherita pizza. (By the way, Monty Python alumnus John Cleese played Basil Fawlty in the comic TV series Fawlty Towers.)

Answer: Mint

The mint family has many uses. It can be dried for tea and the essential oil is used in candy, toothpaste and some pain-relieving creams. Mint plants thrive in shade, spread underground, and have a tendency to take over the garden, so be careful if you plant one!

Answer: Teak

Teak is native to such southeastern Asian countries as India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Teak wood makes a very durable choice for outdoor furniture like patio tables and chairs. Unlike most hardwood, it does not need to be finished with oil, stain or varnish, and can be cleaned with soap and water.

Answer: Chia

In recent years, chia seeds have become known as a good source of fibre and Omega-3 oils, but in the late 1970s, "Chia Pets" were marketed as novelty toys. They're essentially small pottery statues that seem to grow green hair or fur when they're watered and the chia seeds start to sprout. They are still available in the early twenty-first century.

Answer: Thyme

Thyme is used in cuisines from around the world, and is likely to be found in Middle Eastern dishes as part of the spice mix called za'atar, in Caribbean jerk seasoning, and in the classic French herbal mix known as bouquet garni.

Answer: Sage

There are many varieties of sage. White sage (Salvia apiana) is a variety used by some First Nations in smudging rituals.

Answer: Oregano

Also a favourite in Greek salads, oregano produces tiny pink flowers that are very attractive to bees.

Answer: Rosemary

In cooking, rosemary is great with lamb. In northern locations (gardening Zones 4 and under in the USA), it generally must be replanted annually, since it does not fare well over cold winters, and is tricky to overwinter.