What herb garden would be complete without lavender? What other scent is as popular or as nostalgic as lavender? The terms woodsy, sweet, pungent, citrus and floral have all been used to describe the unique scent of lavender. The clean scent of lavender has been a favorite for several millenniums because of its soothing effect on the spirit and its ability to relieve tension and anxiety . Many think of lavender as the quintessential English garden herb.

The word lavender is derived from the Latin word “lavare” or “to wash.” The plant is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean and Northern Africa and made its way to North America by way of the pilgrims in the 1600's. Lavender has been documented in use as an herb for over 2,500 years with one of its earliest known applications as a preservative for Egyptian mummies. In this era, lavender was also used by the Romans and Greeks to scent soaps and bathwater and as a perfume. Early references to the herb, most specifically in the Bible, call it “spikenard.”

Lavender was commonly used as a “strewing” herb and was popular for both its insect-repelling properties and also its long-lasting fragrance. It was used liberally to mask household smells and stinking streets. Its ancient meaning is devotion, luck, happiness and success. In the Middle Ages, lavender was considered both the herb of love and as an aid to remain chaste. Until as recently as 1915 lavender was used to disinfect wounds. Today the greatest use of lavender flowers is for its scent and for the feeling of relaxation that it provides.

Lavender is known to be an analgesic, antidepressant, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, antibacterial, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, fungicide and sedative. It can lower high blood pressure, relieve insomnia, alleviate muscle spasms, menstrual problems, headaches and rheumatic pains. Lavender promotes growth of new skin cells and has a great healing effect on burns and sunburn, acne, psoriasis, boils and fungal growths. Applied to freshly healed wounds, it can significantly reduce skin scarring. Essential oil of lavender is excellent on minor burns, insect bites and sunburn. A few drops massaged into the temples can relieve headaches and when added to a carrier oil is wonderful for a relaxing massage to alleviate nervousness and tension. Lavender is a natural insect repellent and air purifier.

There are at least 7 species and 28 varieties of lavender. English lavender, Lavendula.angustifolia, is more fragrant and hardy than the French lavender, Lavendula.stoechas. There is also Italian and Spanish lavender. Lavender is categorized as a perennial, aromatic, evergreen shrub. Many varieties of lavender are suitable for grow zones 8-9 but a few will do quite well in southern Wisconsin (grow zone 4B). Two varieties that are recommended for this area are ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidecote’. Both of these varieties are officially rated for grow zones 5-8. Munstead lavender will grow to a height of 18 inches, a diameter of 24 inches and will produce blue-purple flowers. Hidecote will grow to a height of 24 inches, a diameter of 30 inches and will produce dark purple flowers.

Growing your own lavender is relatively easy if a few simple guidelines are followed. To get started, you can buy lavender plants, start it from seed or take a cutting from an existing plant. The easiest means of propagation is from cuttings. Propagation can also be from root division on plants over three years old. Seeds vary greatly and seldom end up being true to the parent although I have grown a number of plants from seed with very good luck. One needs patience when starting lavender from seed as it often takes up to two weeks to germinate. Lavender likes full sun and that means a minimum of eight hours during the brightest part of the day. The lack of robustness is apparent when it does not like its site. Lavender is susceptible to fungus diseases; adequate spacing with good air circulation will minimize this. Lavender prefers well drained or sandy soil that is not too rich but it does like an occasional infusion of compost to the soil. You might have to wait for the second year for your plant to bloom and it may take up to three years for the plant to reach its mature size. Lavender can also be grown very well in containers. Lavender is a great companion plant to thyme

Lavender is very drought-tolerant and mature plants should not be over-watered. Plants will actually flop over if watered too much. In the first year, however, while getting established lavender does require an ample amount of water. Once the plant flowers the flowers should be cut or pinched off to encourage new growth. Enjoyment of the flowers can be prolonged by drying them. The best time to harvest lavender is just before the last flowers on each stalk are fully open. This is also when the oil content is at its highest. An established lavender plant should be cut back to 2/3 its previous size in early spring. Pruning late in the season will stimulate growth and can result in winter-kill.

Although lavender does not have widespread culinary applications, lavender buds can be used to make some interesting and tasty cookies, puddings, cakes and ice creams. It can also be infused into vinegar. The darker the color of the flower, the more intense will be the flavor. In the household lavender is often used in a potpourri. Dried lavender is useful in stored clothes to repel moths and a few drops of essential oil can be added to the laundry to provide a wonderful smell to bed linens. Dried lavender buds can also be put into a decorative muslin bag and put into a dresser drawer or put inside a bed pillow cover to creat a great smelling dream pillow.

Cosmetically, lavender toilet water is an ancient recommendation for oily skin and blemishes. Today, many soaps contain essential oil of lavender because the scent is so appealing, refreshing and relaxing. Luna, Essential Lavender and Goat Milk & Lavender natural bath soaps from Garden Spirit all contain essential oil of lavender and these soaps are always some of our top sellers. Lavender essential oil is also used in our Lavender Spray and in our Serenity Massage Oil. Both the essential oil of lavender and also lavender flowers are used in our Skin Glow Body Scrub and in our Serenity Bath Salt. A bath product infused with pure essential oil of lavender is sure to provide a great scent and a relaxing and uplifting experience.

Lavender is a beautiful, aromatic and useful herb- a true classic that no garden or household should be without!

Please note that any mention of Lavender for medicinal purposes is from a historical perspective only and is not intended to constitute advice for usage. Consult your physician before taking anything for medicinal purposes.

• one-half cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• one-half teaspoon vanilla
• two teaspoons dried lavender flowers, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• one and one-half cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Combine the flour and baking powder and add to the lavender mixture, stirring until well blended.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned on the edges.