Most herb growers never have enough lavender since this aromatic garden ornamental is also useful for crafts and cosmetics. The slivery foliage and purple blossoms are stunning in borders and attracts bees.

Zones 6- 9. Full sun to light shade. Like light, well drained ideally limey soil. Neutral or slightly alkaline is best. Pinch away flowers on first year plants to encourage vigorous growth. Provide shelter from winter winds, in areas with cold, wet winter, loose, well-drained soil is the secret to success. Some growers find that plants weaken with age, requiring replacement every five years. Remove old plants each spring and lightly mulch with compost or well-aged manure before planting new, young plants. The hardiness of lavender varies with each species, but generally its extremely drought-tolerant. Let the soil dry well between watering. Excess fertility will make the silver-gray foliage fade to green. Height 2 – 3 feet, shrubby with slender gray-green leaves. Blossoms July to July. Usually pest and disease free.

When harvesting and storing, gather the flower stems just as the flowers are opening, preferably in dry weather. The leaves, which are bitter and sometimes used in European cooking, can be harvested after the first year of growth and then picked at any time. Hang bunches of lavender upside down, away from sunlight to dry. When used the dried flowers in potpourris or herbal sachets, keep the stems, they can be burned, like incense, or in along fire to scent the smoke. Plant lavender as a hedge or border to configure knot gardens. In borders, combine them with other plants that need excellent drainage such as yarrow and sundrops. Incorporate it into vegetable and ornamental gardens to increase populations of visiting beneficial insects. Used in a spray, lavender is reputed to control pests of cotton. It has also shown some repellent effect toward clothes moths; dry a sprig and slip it a sleeve in sweater drawers or closets. Oil of lavender is said to rejuvenate the skin of face and hands so that they look younger. At least, it’ll make you smell good.