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Wait, don’t tell me – it’s lavender, of course!Photo courtesy of Running Creek Lavender Farm in Locust, North Carolina.Yes, it’s Lavandula, all right. Nothing else can match the calming, clean fragrance of this legendary herb. That marvelous fresh scent gave the genus its name. Lavender is from lavare, Latin for “to wash.” It’s been used for that purpose for millennia.Mediterranean lavenders have a multi-functional, timeless appeal, making them an essential addition to any garden or la

Yes, it’s Lavandula, all right. Nothing else can match the fresh, clean fragrance of this legendary herb. We know that fragrance well, since we grow 12 varieties in several species. Let’s look at four of them, shall we?L. angustifolia The specific epithet means “narrow-leaved.” Which is much more accurate than the common name “English lavender”, since it’s of Mediterranean origin. It acquired its nickname because it grows great in Great Britain.Big Time Blue PP24827 Wider than it is tall at ma

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’Absolutely nothing else smells like “English lavender” -- which is, of course, not English; the genus is of Mediterranean origin. It acquired its nickname because it grows great in Great Britain. Jolly good, wot?‘Hidcote’ typifies the species, with handsome, subtle grey-green foliage, rich purple flower spikes, and that wonderful clean, fresh, trademark fragrance. It’s a garden classic that still works beautifully in border or container.Hardy in Zones 5 – 9, ‘Hidc