For all you bees... (Lavender)

Member Name: anwar7

Product:	Lavender
Date:	22/04/09 (309 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: see review

Disadvantages: see review

Now that the sun is beginning to shine I am spending a lot more time in my garden. Last week I ventured to my local garden centre, as I wanted more Lavender plants to plant along my path. Lavender is my favourite herb and I already have dozens of plants in my garden. The gorgeous scent and colour of lavender remind me of holidays in the South of France!

Growing Lavender.
****************
It is possible to grow Lavender from seed but I recommend you buy established plants from a nursery. Lavender is not expensive to buy; I paid £2.00 each for established plants. There are several different types of Lavender to choose from-French Lavender is less hardly than its English counterpart, but has gorgeous butterfly type flowers. French lavender likes to be in full sun with well-drained soil. I grow mine in a large pot on my sunny patio. If you grow your lavender in a container then you will need to water it. You must also ensure the pot is large enough as lavender has long roots.

English lavender is much more hardy than the French variety and once established will need little looking after. English lavender likes a sunny sheltered spot and must have well drained soil. Having said that I have lavender growing along a shady path and it is doing very well. The most important thing is to make sure the soil is not waterlogged. There are several different varieties of English lavender my favourite being Hidcote lavender which has deep purple flowers and a strong scent.

To plant lavender you will need to dig a hole and throw in some gravel if the soil is not well drained. Then plant your lavender ensuring you leave adequate space between plants. Lavender can grow up to 18 inches tall with a spread of around 2 feet, depending on the variety. You will need to water until the lavender is established, but always remember that lavender will not tolerate having its rots waterlogged. Lavender should be planted between April and May, so get planting! In the late summer when the lavender has finished flowering you should remove any flower stalks to ensure the plant continues to keep a bushy shape.

Planting lavender in your garden will not only look and smell wonderful, but will attract bees and butterflies too

Lavender facts.
*************
Lavender is a native of the Mediterranean regions and grows well anywhere south of there. I love the sight and smell of Lavender fields in the south of France, there is really nothing like it for me!

Lavender not only looks and smells gorgeous but has lots of other uses too. Lavender has been around since Roman times when the flowers would be sold for very high prices. There is evidence to show that Lavender was used in Roman baths to scent the water. To-day lavender can be used dried in pouches as a moth deterrent. I hang bunched of lavender in my wardrobe; it not only makes my clothes smell nice but keeps unwanted moths out too! I sometimes put a few springs of lavender inside my pillowcase to help me sleep-works every time!

If you have never grown lavender then I highly recommend you do so. It is easy to grow, needs little attention and will brighten your garden with colour and scent.

Lavender is used in aromatherapy. Lavender essential oil can be used as an antiseptic. A few drops of lavender oil can be used in the bath to help you relax and aid sleep. Be aware though that to much lavender can have the opposite effect!

Lavender can also be used in cooking although I have never used lavender in this way so have no experience.

Summary: Lavender