As the year 2006 came to a close, the Perennial Plant Association bestowed 'Walker's Low' catmint with the 2007 Plant of the Year award...and gardeners looking for an easy alternative to lavender rejoiced.

Introduced in 1988 in Europe, Nepeta 'Walker’s Low' has become increasingly popular with each passing year due to its lovely blue-violet flowers and its long bloom time, attractive grey-green foliage, ease of propagation, lack of pest or disease problems, and low maintenance requirements.

The Perennial Plant Association has passed along the following details about 'Walker's Low':

• Hardiness - USDA Zones 3 to 8
• Size - 30 to 36 inches tall and wide.
• Light - Best in full sun, but can tolerate shade in hot climates
• Soil - Prefers well drained soil and neutral pH
• Uses - Good companion plant for early and late blooming plants. Great for perennial borders, but can be used in herb gardens, rock gardens, as a ground cover, or as a container plant.
• Unique Qualities - Will bloom continuously throughout the season if properly pruned. Great for attracting bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects, but is deer and rabbit resistant. Leaves release a wonderful aroma when crushed.

Your kitty may not go as crazy for 'Walker's Low' as he would for catnip (a close relative of catmint), but most gardeners will love it.