Lavender

Lavender is a pretty plant which attracts bees and butterflies. It is often grown for its fragrant flowers which are dried for pot-pourris and scented sachets.

The flowers are mauve/blue and grow on spikes, 4 - 6 cms long. The leaves are grey/green, long and narrow.

Lavender is sometimes used for low hedging but does not last long and needs to be replaced after a few years. It likes a sunny spot but is tolerant of most types of well-drained soil.

It is also used to treat ailments such as insomnia, anxiety and depression because it induces calming, sedative effects.

If you are planning to pick lavender for drying, make sure to pick the flowers before they are fully open.