Love your Lavender

"Lavender's Blue Dilly Dilly
 Lavender's Green
 When I am King Dilly Dilly
 You shall be Queen."

Lavandula angustifolia or English lavender (also known as Lavandula spica or Lavandula vera) is not actually native to England but to the western Mediteranean region, primarily in the Pyrenees and other mountains in northern Spain. But the Brits decided to call it theirs, as they did with so many things! Lavender belongs to the Mint family, a large family which includes herbs such as sages, thymes, rosemary, savory, oregano, balms and mints.

The history of lavender can be traced to ancient times. The essential oils have been extracted and used for many purposes over the centuries. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Arabs used lavender for mummification. The Romans used lavender oils for bathing, cooling and scenting the air -  in fact the word Lavender is derived from the Latin "lavare" which means "to wash". And whilst on the subject of origins, the species name angustifolia is Latin for "narrow leaf". The Romans were responsible for the spread of lavender (and other things which we wont mention here) through much of Europe, taking it everywhere they went so as to have plenty available for their soaps and oils. Clean chaps, the Romans.

English lavenders tend to bloom in early summer and show the darkest colours - although with the many cultivars now available the range is very varied. They also have the longest flowering period and are very long-lived. They have always been grown for their aromatic and medicinal uses, but are now enjoying a great comeback in the landscaping scene - and so they should.

Harry thinks that one of the main reasons for growing lavender is because it is so irresistible to bees. Plant lavender close to fruit trees and the pollinators will arrive in droves, attracted by the lavender. It is considered that the benefits to bees and lavender are reciprocal and it is also vital that we keep the bees happy to keep the population growing. Lavender is an excellent source of high quality honey, so consider bee-keeping along with lavender growing!

Three varieties that we highly recommend are: L. grosso, L. super and L. Foveaux Storm

 Lavandula 'Grosso' is a hybrid that has long flowering stems with multiple lateral branching. The habit of the plant is bushy and rounded with greenish- grey foliage. It is reasonably slow growing at first but by its third year it forms a well shaped bush, about half a meter high and wide. It is a truly awesome sight in flower, and is a wonderful ornamental for mass planting. It is in flower from early January through to April. Plants can then be cut back and trimmings make good compost.

 Another great variety is ‘Foveaux Storm' which has great quantities of oil within their leaves and flowers making them ‘heaven scent'. It has all the attributes of the old varieties plus an especially good, dark flower colour. For landscaping use, this low growing lavender is quite versatile. As an edging for a path; in beach gardens, as a background to other low growing shrubs and perennials. The deep colours of ‘Foveaux Storm' also make it a great plant to use in combination with other plants to create interesting colour schemes. Fantastic with white flowers and magic with blue and pink.

 The third in our trio is Lavandula x intermedia ‘Super ' - The flowers of this cultivar possess an especially delightful aroma, and most closely resemble the fragrance of their angustifolia parentage. Considered by some to be one of the best intermedias for quality essential oil, ‘Super' has tall, graceful stems, tapered buds, light violet-green calyxes, and large light blue/violet flower heads. They are early flowering and continue for a long period into the summer.

There is so much information out there about the uses of this incredible herb. It is used as:

• a relaxant with massage therapy
• products for home and beauty
• an herbal medicine, either in the form of lavender oil or as an herbal tea
• an ingredient to cook and bake with
• to disinfect wounds
• a culinary herb, most often as part of the French herb blend called ‘Herbes de Provence'
• and the one that I can personally attest to is for the treatment of burns. It is miraculous when applied immediately and frequently in conjunction with iced water

However, did you know that in the Middle Ages, English nobility not only thought that lavender was an aphrodisiac, but also, that lavender water applied to the forehead would keep the wearer chaste. A bit confusing? Well according to Madonna, the former is true, as on meeting the singer, Prince she allegedly exclaimed: "He reeks of lavender. It turned me on, actually." This really is one plant that no garden should be lacking. One could say it is essential!

Try these recipes:

Lavender Martini

Make your martini with your favorite proportions. Use a small sprig of lavender as the garnish. The oil of lavender is quickly but subtly released by the alcohol and adds a sensual touch to the taste.

Lavender Ice Cream

4 egg yolks
3/4 cups sugar
2/3 cup cream
6 fresh lavender flower heads
2/3 cup whipping cream or heavy cream
2 cups of milk

Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until light and foaming. Gently heat the cream in a pan with the lavender flowers. Bring to the boil, then strain into the egg yolk mixture. Return the mixture to the stove and cook over very low heat, stirring constantly until it is slightly thickened and will coat the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil. Pour the custard into a bowl, and refrigerate until it is completely cold. Whip the cream just until it forms peaks and fold it into the cold custard. Add remaining 2 cups of milk. Process in an ice cream maker, or freeze in the container in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. Serve with thin, crisp cookies.