In the midst of the winter doldrums avid gardeners are perusing seed catalogues, ordering tubers, bulbs, plants and gardening accoutrements. Visions of colorful gardens soon to come to life, as planning and preparation begin.

Lavender always makes a great addition to gardens. Lavender attracts beneficial pollinators like bumble bees and honey bees. The Swallowtail and Duskywing butterflies are especially attracted to lavender’s sweet nectar. Lavender also repels the not so beneficial bugs like mosquitos, flies, fleas, ticks and moths.

Lavender is deer resistant. Planting lavender in and around tastier (to the deer) plants and flowers can act as a deterrent.

Lavender comes in an array of colors. From the deepest purple to pale lavender, pink and white. Lavender also varies in size dependent on variety. Checking with a local nursery will assure the right plant for your climate zone is purchased.

It is important when planting lavender that companion plants are given careful consideration. As lavender requires full sun to grow it is essential that it is not planted in a shady area with plants like Hosta, Ferns, Hellebore and Astilbe. It is also important to note water requirements for each plant. What to plant along side lavender? The options are plentiful and with a bit of research a garden

resplendent in color and fragrance can be achieved. In the flower garden Roses, Daisies, Sedums, Yarrow, Salvia, Coneflower, Zinnias, Marigolds and Globe Thistle are all good companion plants. A mix of perennial plants and annual plants offer varying bloom times and a multitude of color choice. Lavender is also a wonderful addition to the herb garden. Making certain that culinary lavender

(Angustifolia) is used. Lavender pairs especially well with Rosemary, Oregano, Allums, Thyme, Basil, Chives, Marjoram, Summer Savory, Sage, Parsley and Lemon Balm. Despite being a member of the Mint\ family, Mint is a good example of a plant whose water requirements are much greater than Lavender.

One plant or the other will suffer if planted side by side.

While many flowers and herbs can be directly sown by seed, lavender can present more of a challenge.

Those who are expert gardeners will likely have success. For the rest of us, visit your local nursery and

purchase a plant. Lavender takes a bit of time to grow from a seedling to a full plant. It can be quickly

overwhelmed by fast growing flowers and herbs.

There are so many different varieties of Lavender available. Each variety differs in color, size and

fragrance. Once established this low maintenance plant is a gardener’s dream. If the proper growing

requirements exist, then Lavender should grace every garden.

Come visit the Lavender gardens at Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm this summer. You will have the

opportunity to see twenty thousand Lavender plants that includes over fourteen different varieties. You

will also be able to see many of the aforementioned companion plants growing amongst Fragrant Isle’s

gardens. Fall in love with Lavender and be inspired to grow your own.