Lavender in the Garden

We all know how beautiful lavender is and how good it smells, but lavender is beneficial to the garden in many other ways as well.  Here are a few:

• Lavender attract pollinators
• It repels mosquitos, flies, and fleas 
• Insect and animal pests generally leave it alone
• It is drought tolerant once established
• It comes in a variety of sizes and colors.  

In addition to the benefits to your garden, lavender has many uses in your home:

• Laundry Aid: Fill a small muslin bag with lavender buds, tie it up tightly, and throw it in the dryer for fresh, clean smelling laundry. Or add a drop or two of lavender essential oil to a wool dryer ball for an alternative to chemical-filled dryer sheets!
• Soothing Heating Pad: Fill a clean cotton sock with lavender buds, rice, and flax and then heat in the microwave for one minute for a quick DIY heating pad to soothe sore muscles.
• In the Kitchen: Use culinary lavender to make your own Herbes de Provence.  Great with eggs, chicken, or potatoes.
• Make a wreath.  Several Oregon lavender farms (ours included) hold wreath making classes in the summer. Details coming soon

And if that weren't enough, many studies have confirmed lavender's relaxing and sleep-aid properties, along with several other possible benefits.

With over  450 varieties of lavender, you are sure to find the right plant for your garden. Below are some good resources to help you choose the lavender that is right for you!

Books: 
The Lavender Lovers Handbook by Sarah Bader 
Lavender: The Grower's Guide by Virginia McNaughton

Websites:
US Lavender Growers Association 
Oregon Lavender Association
The Portland Nursery
Botanical.com
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