• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

2020 National Garden Bureau Year of Lavender

The National Garden Bureau has declared 2020 the Year of Lavender. And no wonder as it is such a popular garden, aromatherapy and health and wellness plant.

Lavender’s texture, fragrance and usability make it a useful plant to include in gardens and containers. The English lavender is the hardiest with cultivars like Hidcote and Munstead, surviving in USDA hardiness zone 5 and warmer.

French lavender is less fragrant and Spanish lavender has a strong piney fragrance, so it is usually not used for cooking. Both are less hardy than the English lavender.

Use lavender in fresh and dried arrangements. Dry English lavender and use it to scent sachets, bath salts and more. Include it in salves, lotions and oils to stimulate relaxation. And try adding a bit of its unique flavor to water, lemonade and desserts.

A bit more information: Grow lavender in full sun with well-draining soil for best results. Harvest lavender when the buds are swollen and showing color, but before they open for best flavor and fragrance.

Upcoming
Events & Webinars


Sept. 11, 2026
Illinois State Master Gardener Conference
Rockford, IL
Register here

Sept. 12, 2026
2026 Knowledge in Bloom Conference
Urban Ecology Center, Milw., WI
Register here

Sept. 17, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Fall Landscape Care and Planting

Register here

Sept. 26, 2026
Pruning Hydrangeas & Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
More information

Oct. 6, 2026
Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference
La Crosse, WI
Register here

Oct. 22, 2026
Wauwatosa Public Library
Wauwatosa, WI
More information

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

MORE UPCOMING EVENT DETAILS 

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Sign up for Melinda's free newsletter for a chance to win 3 Allium, 20 Tulip & 20 Daffodil bulbs from Longfield Gardens

ENTER NOW