Herb of the Month: Lavender

This ever-popular herb is sure to draw attention in any garden. From silvery-green leaves to flowers in hues of purple, it dances in the wind alluring butterflies and people alike. Its fresh aroma is used in many craft, culinary (yes, culinary!) and aromatherapy applications alike. We offer many varieties of lavender at Fairview... from Mumstead to Grosso, we've got you covered! Not sure which variety will best suit your needs? Ask our greenhouse staff for help! Read on...

Growth Habit
Lavender features an upright, bushy growth habit and is usually as wide as it is tall. It’s gray-green leaves and carefree nature make it a favorite among many gardening enthusiasts. Once established, it is rather drought tolerant. Most varieties have woody stems that are graced with white, blue, light lavender to dark purple flowers in both the spring and fall. Some varieties feature evergreen foliage. Lavender loves the sun, so make sure it gets six to eight hours (at least) of sun. To yield the best results, plant during the spring or fall. When planting, use a time released fertilizer.

Popular Varieties
Mumstead: blue-purple flowers, 12” - 18”
Hidcote: dark purple flowers, 18” - 24”
Jean Davis: pink flowers, 18”
Grosso: dark violet flowers (highly fragrant), 30”
Provence: violet flowers 18” - 24”
Silver Edge: light lavender flowers (hardy/disease resistant), 18” - 24”
Alba: white flowers, 12” - 18”

Possible Uses
1. Bug deterrent: moths, snails and ants
2. Deer deterrent
3. Attracts bees and butterflies
4. Sachets, wreaths and potpourri
5. Oils
6. Cut flowers in vase

Just for Fun
1. Egyptians used for making perfume and was used in the mummification process.
2. WWI nurses used to bathe soldiers wounds with lavender as an antiseptic.
3. Mentioned in the Bible in the Song of Solomon.
4. Originates from the mint family.
5. Native to Mediterranean regions.

Recipes
It is important to note that when using lavender for crafting and baking projects (especially baking), always use organic lavender that hasn’t been treated with pesticides or fertilizers.

Frances’ Secret Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies
Makes approx 3 dozen
- 1/2 cup real butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. dried Sweet Lavender flowers (3-4 Tbsp. fresh flowers)
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1 1/2 cups white flour
- 3/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1 generous cup good chocolate chips

Bowl 1: Blend butter, sugar & Lavender until smooth. Add egg, milk & vanilla in next.
Bowl 2: Blend oatmeal, flour, and baking powder together; add in your chocolate chips to this dry mix.

Blend both mixes together to form soft dough. (If it is too sticky, add a bit more flour.) Place by teaspoons onto baking tray. Set oven @ 350° F Bake 10 minutes for soft cookies, 15 mins for crisp ones. OPTIONAL: Add 3 or 4 pieces of crystallized ginger finely chopped OR zest of one orange. OR: 1 cup nuts, raisins, coconut OR dried sweetened cranberries. FOR A CHOCOLATE dough base: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder in with flour & sugar and decrease the chocolate chip amount slightly.




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