QUICK DESCRIPTIONS OF MOST COMMON VARIETIES FOUND IN SOUTH AFRICAN GARDENS. Common names used: FRENCH LAVENDER - Lavandula dentata Tiny indentations on the leaves Green or grey foliage Light and deep mauve, short, thick flowers, make beautiful posies Makes an excellent garden subject and hedge and border for pathways Prolific flowerer SPANISH LAVENDER - Lavandula stoechas Beautiful cone-like flowers, different colour range - from red to purple Medium size bush Short flowering period Makes a good ‘show’ DUTCH LAVENDER - Lavandula x allardii Beauty lies in the shape and denseness of the bush Large bush Mainly a foliage subject in the garden Good scent, shy in flowering Dried leaves make a wonderful pot pourri MARGARET ROBERTS’ LAVENDER - Lavandula x intermedia Large bush – grows to over a metre in height Smooth, narrow grey-green leaves Long flowering heads with whorls of tiny flowers along the stem Lovely as a fresh or a dried flower – beautiful in a vase Flowers continuously from Spring to Autumn Tough, hardy, thrives in the South African climate Use these flowers when cooking with lavender Best dried lavender for craft ideas AUSTRALIAN LAVENDER - Lavandula 'sidonie' Fern-like leaf Beautiful elegant flower, gorgeous in a vase Does not tolerate frost Looks very different to other lavenders Long flower stems LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL The leaves, stems and buds of lavender contain essential oils. The highest quality oil is extracted from the buds or fully opened flowers. DISTILLATION OF OILS This involves placing the stripped buds over a vat of boiling water and collecting the oil as it is released in the steam and condenses. HOW TO USE LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL Lavender essential oil is should be treated with respect as it is highly concentrated. It should not be used by pregnant women, young children or babies. Always consult a doctor. Use it : In your bath, in massage, in a burner and as an inhaler Lavender essential oil is known to treat insomnia, burns, anxiety, stress, restlessness, acne, colds, nasal congestion, sunburn, headaches, headaches. HOW TO USE LAVENDER PLANT MATERIAL Hang a sprig of lavender under running tap water, sip lavender “tea”, inhale lavender ‘steam”, add lavender leaves to acqueous cream, place sprigs of lavender under your pillow, tuck them between layers of bed linen and soak face cloths in lavender and water. THE LIST IS ENDLESS!!! QUICK TIPS ON GROWING LAVENDER Lavender needs little water and lots of sun They thrive in sandy, light and well-drained soils Lavender needs space and good air circulation Replace the bush every 6 – 8 years Prune every year, a third to half of the bush pruned into a ball shape Use fertilizer sparingly Lavender grows beautifully in a pot. Remember to turn the pot every month

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