Center Stage with Lavender Fields in the Garden

Oh no not again. It’s that time of summer when my horticultural leanings get swayed towards a favorite plant, and for the week of July 4th, it’s lavender.

Are you a lavender-lover too?

It’s definitely a perennial/shrub/herb to get behind, especially because you can treat SOME lavender species as a perennial in zones that go well below freezing.

For example, you can treat Lavandula angustifolia, along with its’ many cultivars, like: ‘Hidcote, ‘Jean Davis,’ and ‘Martha Roderick’ as a perennial – even where winter low’s hit 0 degrees Fahrenheit!

But don’t take it too far. Because even though lavender can appear tough (you want tough Mediterranean plants? See this post!) they do have their limitations. What are they? They are intolerant of poor soil drainage and winter wet. And, cold-cold-cold – some varieties are more tender to cold.

So, you’re a lavender fan? MAYBE. SORT OF. YES.

Okay, here are some photos taken at Matanza Creek Winery. Enjoy! 🙂

Peak fields of lavender in bloom at Matanzas Creek Winery

There’s no denying the beauty (and fragrance) in these field of explosive lavender. We visited Matanzas Creek Winery in peak bloom the other day (July 4th), and were not disappointed. Just a little background, this winery is located in Sonoma county and is known for its wine, lavender, and lavender products. You can see from the photo below, a section of sheared lavender plants adjacent to an un-sheared grouping.

 

I’m not sure about their harvesting program, but I do know that they grow two lavender varieties, and that the flowers, plus the long stems, are used in their assorted lavender spa and culinary products, photos below.

What type of lavender are they growing and harvesting?

1. Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’– A dense shrubby lavender with grey-green leaves, 1 – 2′ stems, and dark lavender flowers.’Grosso’ is used primarily in the bath and body products.

2. Lavandula x intermedia ‘Provence’– Used primarily in their culinary products. Commercially the whole plant is richly aromatic and used in the manufacture of perfumes.

Now, you definitely don’t need to plant your garden with a designated lavender field like this one. On a smaller scale though, it could be fun!

Happy Gardening!

Nicole and Judy

ps: Is all this talk of lavender making you crave some? (It did for me…) We found a great company on Amazon – Findlavender – that offers great dried bunches. This is a link to one of their smaller bunches – but they also offer 18″ – 20″ bunches as well as multiple bunch options.