Lavender has a long history which is a testament to it’s versatility and effectiveness. It has been used since ancient Egyptian times for many purposes, from medicine to ice cream, from aroma therapy to laundry freshener. It’s origins are not known but it has been transported and transplanted all over the world. The most famous are the French lavenders of Provence and the sweet English Lavenders.

Lavender is well know for it’s calming and healing properties. It’s oil is one of the few that may be applied directly to the skin, is antiseptic and promotes healing. It is used as a base oil for diluting other oils and is widely used in the perfume industry.

Lavender is a bushy perennial herb. There are six basic categories (sections) of the genus Lavendula, however two are most commonly seen here in the United States; Section Lavendula and Section Stoechas. Section Lavendula is native of the Mediterranean region, is hardy with upright spikes covered with bracts and flowers growing on the top portion of the stem. It is grown for it’s oils, decorative and culinary uses and landscaping.

Section Stoechas has more compact spikes topped with colorful wing-like bracts. The range of colors of Stoechas makes them great for landscaping.

You can find great information on growing lavender in Virginia McNaughton's book Lavender; the grower's guide and The Lavender Garden by Robert Kourik. Or go to these links:

www.victorslavender.com http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb2005/eb2005.pdf

For purchasing plants check these out:
www.goodwincreekgardens.com
www.olympiclavender.com
www.cedarbrookherbfarm.com