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The Eponymous Garden Rides Again!The green industries embrace many careers and companies that could be described as “a hobby that got out of hand.” You may know – or be – one of those ex-hobbyists.One such entity gave the world a popular herb: Lavandula ‘Otto Quast’. Let’s meet its namesake.Born in 1924 in Hamburg, Germany, Otto Quast emigrated to California. He worked as a shipyard carpenter and dabbled in gardening. When an accident ended his woodworking career, he turned his pastime into a fu

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

Mystified by Latin plant names? We hear you, and we’re here to help. Once deciphered, those tongue-twisters can actually tell us a lot. For example:Lavandula angustifoliaThis classic species charms both the optical and olfactory senses. Even before the eye spies it, the nose knows lavender lurks nearby. While it comprises familiar favorites like ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’, it’s also home to some exciting newcomers. But first, what can its name tell us? Simple: angustifolia is Latin for “narrow lea