GARDENING TIPS WITH BARBARA: Lavender (Lavandula)

LAVENDER

This herb is native of the Mediterranean Region, Canary Isles and India. Lavender loves well draining soil and warm sunny climates. All of my lavender's are on the south side of the house against a brick wall. They are protected from the north wind and get the warmth from the wall.

Many years before manufactured deodorants and bath salts, the Romans used lavender in their bath water: the word is derived from the Latin lava, to "wash". The Romans first introduced the plant to Britain and from then on monks cultivated it in their monastic gardens. During Tudor times people noted it's fragrance and a peculiar power to ease stiff joints and relieve tiredness.

It was carried in nosegays to ward off the plague and pestilence. In France in the 17 Century, huge fields of lavender was grown for the perfume trade. This has continued to the present day.

Some of the ones that I grow today include, of course, I am in zone 7 and I take my chances.

Zone 5 Lavandula angustifolia "Munstead" Hardy evergreen perennial.purple/blue spike in summer,aromatic leaves. This is a common lavender and used often for hedging.

Zone 5 Lavender angustifolia (common lavender) evergreen perennial mauve/purple flowers on a long spike in summer.greenish gray spikes,aromatic leaves. Very popular and well known of the lavender family.Great for drying.

Zone 7 Lavandula staechas sometimes called Spanish lavender. Hardy evergreen perennial, attractive bracts in summer. Short,narrow gray green spikes .Aromatic.Great for drying.

If you grow Lavender you will have a keen sense of well-being.

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Barbara Raley

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