Lavender - Lavandula augustifolia
A hardy, perennial plant which likes full sun and is drought tolerant. Avoid allowing the roots to be damp and constantly wet, as it could die. It is widely used in cooking and is an invaluable in the garden, as its flowers attract beneficial insects. The flowers and leaves are edible. It also has many medicinal uses.
It grows more easily from seedlings than seed.
Ensure it is planted in well-drained soil.
Provide enough space between plants to ensure air circulation.
Cut flowers regularly, this helps with continued production.
Cut back about 8cm in early spring to encourage growth.
Leaves repel harmful insects and rodents.
Flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Use trimmings as mulch and to confuse birds where new seedlings have been sown.
Written by: Rosemary "Semiramis"
Photographed by: S'piwe Nkosi