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.