Lavandula
 

Lavender is a beautiful addition to any garden, as it not only enhances the appearance of your yard, but is also useful in your home and smells terrific. Lavender is a perennial herb that grows well alongside other plants and herbs. The gray-green foliage and light purple blossoms of the lavender plant are unmistakable. Lavender can grow to 24-39in. (60-100cm). There are many types including tender prostrate, dwarf, pine, white-flowered , English, Spanish and French varieties.

Ideal Location- Sunny, sheltered spot with light well drained soil. Lavender will not tolerate waterlogged ground.

Cultivation- Prior to planting add some low-fertility organic soil improver to the site. Plant the seeds, trimmings, or plants about a foot apart from each other. If you're planting seeds, they will take about two weeks to germinate. Add some mulch or compost around the plant, and water the soil just until moist.

You won't have to continue to water your lavender plants, as they actually prefer dry soil.Plants need to be replaced every 3-5 yrs. Take cuttings in spring or summer, or layer in spring.

Harvesting- You can take cuttings from your lavender plants when they are in full bloom. Remove the flowers by cutting at the base of the stem. Remove and discard dead or dried up flowers, stems, and leaves as you go along.

Uses- English lavender is the variety most often used in culinary cooking. It can be used for:

• Lavender flowers make an eye-catching addition to salads
• Lavender butter or lavender sugar can be spread on toast
• Lavender honey hints of days gone by
• Lavender jelly makes a pleasing topper for bagels
• Lavender cookies and lavender ice cream are favorites
• Lavender vinegar is a nice change to the menu
• Lavender can be used along with other savory herbs, such as rosemary or basil

Oil is extracted from lavender plants and is used for perfume. Lavender oil can be added to bath water for a pleasing aroma. A few drops of the oil can be added to your pillow, to help with a restful night’s sleep.

It is used as a scent in toiletries, in the household as potpourri, in candles, as a tea, in floral arrangements and it scents furniture polishes. Lavender is an extremely versatile herb.

 

 

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