Image: Proper Pruning Technique for Thyme Plants
Published: January 18, 2026 at 4:53:58 PM UTC
High-resolution instructional image showing the correct way to prune thyme plants, featuring hands with pruning shears cutting a stem above a leaf node for healthy growth.
Available versions of this image
Image description
The image presents a detailed, instructional-style photograph illustrating the proper pruning technique for a thyme plant. The scene is captured in landscape orientation and focuses tightly on the gardener’s hands as they work among dense, healthy thyme foliage. The thyme plant fills most of the frame, displaying numerous thin, woody green stems topped with small, oval, grey-green leaves that are characteristic of mature thyme. The plant appears well established and vigorous, growing either in a raised bed or a large container, suggested by the softly blurred terracotta pot visible in the background.
In the foreground, a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears with black handles and red accents is positioned horizontally across a single upright thyme stem. One hand gently supports and steadies the stem between thumb and forefinger, while the other hand holds the shears, poised to make a precise cut. The gardener’s hands look experienced and careful, conveying a sense of control and intention rather than haste. The blades of the shears are aligned just above a cluster of fresh leaves, demonstrating best practice for encouraging healthy regrowth.
A clear visual guide is overlaid on the image to emphasize the correct cutting location. A red dashed line runs across the stem at the exact point where the cut should be made, visually reinforcing the pruning instruction. To the right side of the image, a circular inset magnifies the thyme stem and leaves. Inside this inset, the text "Cut Above Here" appears in white, accompanied by a white arrow pointing directly to the correct pruning point above a leaf node. This magnification makes it easy to understand where to cut, even for beginners.
The background remains softly out of focus, keeping attention on the thyme plant and the pruning action. Natural daylight illuminates the scene evenly, highlighting the texture of the leaves, the slight fuzziness typical of thyme foliage, and the clean metal surface of the shears. The overall composition balances realism with instructional clarity, making the image suitable for gardening guides, educational articles, or practical how-to content. The photograph communicates not only where to cut thyme but also the calm, careful approach required for maintaining healthy herb plants.
The image is related to: A Complete Guide to Growing Thyme From Planting to Harvest