Did you know lavender has been valued as a plant for centuries? Lavender is visually beautiful, smells wonderful and attracts bees to the garden. As spring approaches in the Southern Hemisphere the scent fills the air. The delicate clusters of blooms can be blue, white, violet or lilac and the foliage can be lime green through to grey green.
Lavender is the common name of Lavandula, a genus of flowering plants in the mint family. The name derives from the Latin “lavare” to wash, as the Romans scented their clothes and baths with the flower. The plant has been cultivated for ornamental use in the garden, as a culinary herb and as an essential oil.
The calming properties of lavender means it is thought to be the most used essential oil in the world. It is also claimed to alleviate stress and anxiety and is often recommended to treat insomnia. Try a drop on a tissue near your pillow and see if it works.
The lavender fields of Provence bloom in the Northern Hemisphere summer, June to August, and have inspired authors, painters and tourists for centuries.
Lavender tea. I didn’t buy it as I’m going to try making my own. Being non-toxic, lavender is perfect for cooking, sprays and potpourri. Lavender bags in drawers create a sweet scent and bags on clothes hangers will make clothes smell lovely.
Caring for lavender bushes is easy. They like full sun, deep and infrequent watering and light pruning when necessary. French lavender, Lavandula dentara is less aromatic than English lavender, Lavandula angustfolia, which can withstand colder temperatures.
Lavender can be grown from cuttings, layering and seeds. As they often self-seed, try looking under an established plant for seedlings.
Today is Buy a Book Day, so very easy and pleasurable to celebrate, especially when you can browse online, order and have books delivered quickly and safely from my favourite, Book Depository. (see side bar for more information)