sept - lavender

A summer time favourite...Lavender!

Lavender has been used for centuries for many applications from medicinal to beauty products and always popular for their famous perfume and picking ability.
Their fragrance is released when crushed lightly by hand or when brushed against while walking past.
Modern lavenders have under-gone great transformations in the hand s of the hybridists and are now offered in a great range of colours, sizes and flower form.
Lavender is a great addition to all gardens because of it's sort after bee attracting properties.
The flowers are excellent for picking, a little vase of them on their own is ideal for a truly romantic experience.They are also a lovely addition to your pot-pourri.

...lavender has always been a favourite!

Growing tips...

Soil... Lavender enjoy a free draining soil. Living Earth Garden Mix would give the best results. Little watering is required on established plants. Raise the planting area if soil tends to be damp.

Sun... Lavenders perform best in full sun with Lavender Dentata been able to grow successfully in partial shade, although at the expense of flower colour.

Fertiliser... Lavender do not require a lot of feeding, however the use of Kings Sheep Pellets spring and autumn is enjoyed.A light dressing of Dolomite Lime in late Autumn is advised.

Pruning... Prune in spring after Winter cold has gone to keep shape compact and then again after flowering, usually late Janurary.It is advisable not to prune back into bare wood.

Hedging... Plan to plant 4 lavender per metre.

3 Main Types...

L. dentata - also commonly known as French lavender.Very long flowering period, the old-fashioned variety. Leaves have a toothed appearance.

L.angustifolia - english varieties.Grown commercially for the oil content, requires excellent drainage.Very rewarding deeply coloured flowers in Janurary and usually repeats if trimmed back lightly after first flowering e.g. hidcote

L. stoechas - spanish varieties.The most popular with the home gardener as they have many different and attractive flower forms e.g. avonview, major