Lavender

Lavender is a wonderfully scented plant and has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries. Grow it against a sunny wall close to the house, or as a 'lavender walk' on either side of a path, where it will be especially effective.

The flowers are very attractive to honey bees and are used in pot pourri, scented pillows and herbal sachets.

There is a wide range of species and varieties including the popular L. stoechas (French Lavender), L. Hidcote (deep purple), L. Munstead (dwarf) L. Vera (Dutch Lavender) and the tall Old English lavender L. spica. There are furthermore also pink and white varieties available that are interesting but less showy than the blue ones.

Lavenders are not demanding in their soil requirements and best results are obtained in full sun and well drained soils.