Lavender: Growing, Harvesting & Using the Fragrant Herb

At Happy Valley Herbs (Victoria, BC), Lynda Dowling harvests amid sweet-scented rows, bees buzzing. "Harvest day is out of time—purple field, intoxicating fragrance, bees singing. No faxes or phones."

Dowling breathes, eats, bathes in lavender. Oregon's Margaret Sansone weaves "wands" with guests. Both share tips: most fragrant varieties, culinary/craft uses.

Not too late to plant (Sunset 4–24). One whiff explains their passion.

Mail-Order Sources

• Goodwin Creek Gardens (Box 83, Williams, OR 97544; 541/846-7357. Catalog $1. 38 kinds.)
• Woodside Gardens (1191 Egg & I Rd., Chimacum, WA 98325; 360/732-4754. Catalog $2. 30+ kinds.)

Growing Tips

• Full sun, well-drained soil (amend heavy soils). Sansone uses raised beds for winter drainage.
• Water deeply, infrequently—when soil nearly dry.
• Spread compost over roots annually in spring.
• Prune early spring or harvest. Low varieties: trim 1–2 in. Tall (3–4 ft): cut back ⅓ (start year 2) to prevent woodiness.