Let's Talk Lavender

 

 

I Love Lavender!!!

But, I lost a couple of my lavender bushes this year and haven't figured out why.

I would say it was due to our freezing weather but out of 15 bushes we lost only 4. In the beginning of April, I had decided to cut those 4 bushes back because I could still see a few sprig of green and thought if I got rid of the dead branches it could concentrate on the new growth. Unfortunately I don't think I was able to save them. They are now just brown stumps. It probably didn't help either that the chickens love to lay under them, but who could blame them. They smell so good and have such a calming effect.

Luckily I have several plants in the greenhouse just waiting for a spot in the garden.

 While trying to figure out these beautiful plants, I thought it would be a great opportunity to write a little about them.

 

There are a lot of different varieties of lavender; each having it very own special quality. It can be the size of the plant or flower, the color of the leaves, and different fragrance and hardiness. Even though we are most familiar with the shades of blue we see most in lavender, it does come in different colors such as purple, lilac, white, pink, mauve and yellow.

 

 

 

Planting and Growing Lavender:

This plant is pretty easy to grow. It is tough, hardy and pretty drought resistant once established. It will tolerate many growing conditions but it thrives in warm, well drained soil with full sun.

The soil should be well worked, well drained and loose enough to dig your bare hands in easily.Some sand and good compost will get the plant off to a great start. A lean soil will encourage a high concentration of oils. An alkaline and chalky soil will enhance lavenders fragrance.

Lavender does not like wet roots. A raised bed is a good choice in soil with less than prefect drainage.

 

I have heard that starting lavender from seed can be difficult, with that said we have had good success with seeds. But if your new to lavender, starting with an established plant may be best.

When you remove the plant from it's pot. spread the roots and place it in a hole that accommodates the roots. The root system is a lot bigger than the plant itself.

Place your plants so that they will have plenty of air around them when they are grown and flowering.

Although lavender plants get regularly pruned simply by harvesting the flowers, to keep them well shaped and encourage new growth, a bit of fall and spring pruning is a must!Aggressive annual pruning will keep a beautiful shaped plant and maximize flower growth. Leave about 1 inch of green foliage on plant when pruning.

 

Harvesting:

Lavender can be harvested for many uses.

If your looking for a fresh bouquet of flowers, harvest them when the half the flowers have opened. If your looking to dry a bundle for crafts,harvest when three quarters of the flowers are open.

 

I hoped this has helped and you will give lavender a try. It really is a wonderful rewarding plant that deserves a spot in every garden.

 

Happy Planting!!