Oregano Flavor

[cdbva]

I planted oregano last year from a small plant bought at the nursery. It was very tasty, and survived, with a few green leaves here and there, through the winter.

Now that it's summer, it's come back like mad, with massively abundant leaves. Lots and lots of leaves. Many shoots. It's even crowded out my mint. But its flavor is a bit bland. It was very hearty before -- especially those few brave leaves that held on through ice and snow.

So I'm wondering why it's bland now. Over the winter the flavor seemed even stronger, which I thought might be due to the leaves being old.

Any thoughts?

Christine