I dont know about oregano but I suspect it may be like lavender - dont let it have wet feet. Water it, sure and its ok getting pretty dry. But planted in clay where it sits in water over winter, and it'll die very fast. That's my experience anyway.

>> Try less hard

:) "Tried" that too :D

I've taken a 2-year sabbatical from all things muddy. Let's see how things go the next time. Fresh eyes and less anxiety!