Lavender

It's lovely but then I do love lavenders and have started a collection of them recently. It should not grow a lot bigger than it is now. Do you prune it after flowering as it is best to lightly prune and then again in Spring to make a nice rounded shape. However DO NOT prune right down into the woody growth as the plant will die.

Thanks Mariek. I sowed this one 3 years ago, and had so many plants, I sort of stuck them everywhere, including my allotment. This is one of the ones that have survived in my garden. I love Lavender too, but heard that not all other plants like it because of its essential oils. I know they need cut back every year to bring out the best in them, but have been somewhat negligent, I must admit.
I'm looking forward to drying the flowers in autumn:-)

Yes I've done all sorts of things with lavender in the past, making lavender bottles etc as I just love the smell. I can't bear to cut the flower heads at the moment though as they are one of the main stays of my garden this year and make the garden smell so good. I must admit that I've never heard of any plants or people having problems with the lavender oil - in fact it is one of the most gentle and versatile oils you can use.

They definately do need trimming after flowering every year though, as in the past I've left mine for a year and they really go straggly. Definately one of the best plants in the garden ! :)

I can understand that you want to hold on to them at the moment. I used to have a huge lavender shrub for a few years and made lavender cushions, pot-pourrie and I still have some hanging upside down on the wall with a big cream satin ribbon around it and a little wooden heart.
Have you ever been in France to see the Lavender fields?

No I haven't - haven't been to Norfolk Lavender either but have seen (and smelled) the lavender fields at the Isle of Wight Lavender Farm - delicious !

:-))

Bet this has a gorgeous scent :o)))

It does, Terratoonie, thanks:-) I love it! Got lots more in the allotment this year, so I hope I'll get to use it in little pillows or something. So calming!

:o)))