There are lots of variables in triggering the plants to break
dormancy, as noted elsewhere. I am in zone 6b and lavender and thyme
are just breaking out lemon balm and oregano are out for maybe a week.
Don't panic to soon but remember that lavender and thyme are from the
medeteranean area and Iowa and most of teh country isn't close to that
climate.... so such things are always at risk of dying out due to
humidity, cold etc. I lost a lot of thyme and lavender this past
winter.... also even if the tops die back lav. and thy. will often
have the roots survive and sprout back low down on the branches. I
find it helps long term survival to be hard hearted and after bloom
cut them back hard... I was soft hearted last summer and it cost me
10 thymes and 10 lavenders.....


"Adam Schwartz" wrote in message news:hHSoa.552406$3D1.304017@sccrnsc01...
Is it increased water, warmer temperatures, more daylight or something else?
I ask because my lemon balm, sage, lavendar, thyme and oregano all still
look like they did in January.

Thanks,
Adam (zone 5, Iowa City)