Featured plant: lavender

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia). Perennial, Zones 5-8. It is said that the scent of lavender is the most popular scent in the world. It is one of the few scents that the majority of men like and it is found in a lot of shaving and soap products. As far as growing it goes, it helps to remember it is a Mediterranean plant. Hot dry summers, cool but not too wet winters. In fact, dry is a key to growing this plant. It must be in well drained soil. If you can not provide that, it needs to be grown in a pot. Another requirement for winter hardiness is that it be protected from cold wind. This sounds difficult if you are from some place where winter is on the vicious side, but micro-climates can be found or created. I had a lot of success growing it on the east side of the house, next to the foundation, and it was under the peak of the roof so no rain run off. Snow piled on it also helps. Still expect some winter kill on the branches, but the plant usually survives. The last requirement for growing lavender successfully is to make sure the soil is alkaline. Add lime. Planting it next to the house foundation if it is cement also helps. Lime leaches from the foundation. OK, now that I've mentioned all that, on to the plant itself. It prefers full sun, well drained soil, water when dry, but it can stand some drought. Clip out the winter killed branches in the spring after it has started to leaf out so you know which ones are dead and thoroughly enjoy the flowers when they come. Pick when a few flowers have opened on the stalk, tie into bunches and hang in an airy warm place out of the sun to dry. Will grow to 3' and tend to sprawl (from the weight of snow). Becomes woody with age.
NOTE: lavender has a naturally low germination percentage, around 40%. It can be improved and unified by at least a week of freezing temperatures. Easily gotten in the fridge. Instructions will come with the seed.

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