Lavender: A Sensory Delight for Garden, Home, and Health

Native to Mediterranean regions, perennial lavender has been prized since ancient Rome for perfume, healing, and antiseptic qualities—its name from Latin lavare ("to wash").

Garden Varieties

Old English Lavender: Cottage garden essential, 2-3 feet tall, fragrant grey-green leaves, blue-purple flowers. Hardy, drought-tolerant, loves sun and well-drained soil.

Hidcote: Compact (~1 foot), darker blue flowers. Stunning as low hedge attracting bees/butterflies. Thrives in containers on patios for accessible fragrance.

Propagation & Care

Easiest: softwood cuttings in spring. Autumn pruning clippings also root well if frost-protected.

Harvesting & Uses

• Fresh arrangements: Mix with sweet peas and old-fashioned roses for guest room posies
• Drying: Strip just-opening flowers, dry in warmth. Use in potpourri, sachets (moth deterrent), pillow tucks (sleep aid)
• Bath: Tie sprigs in muslin under running water, or add essential oil drops
• Aromatherapy: Essential oil lifts depression, combats fatigue, aids relaxation. Strong disinfectant—used in WWI/WWII for infection/pain relief. Drop in carrier oil for headache massage; in massage oil for arthritis/muscle pain
• Home: Burn dried stalks as incense. Craft into wands, wreaths, candles, floral art

In garden, bath, or throughout the home—lavender truly treats all the senses.

—Colleen Moulding, Copyright 2000/2006