analysis: landscaping (perennial flowers) –    Lavender

What to know about lavender flowers –

Notes:

• About Lavender Flowers:

  Lavender is an aromatic flower that is native to the Old World and is found throughout Europe, parts of Africa, Southeast Asia. They now adorn the gardens of America. They are cultivated in temperate climates as ornamental plants for garden and landscape use, for use as culinary herbs, and also harvested commercially for the extraction of essential oils.

• Flowers are borne in whorls (botany term that refers where the flower radiates from a single point and wrap around the stem or stalk). The flowers may be blue, violet or lilac.
• Leaf shape is diverse across the variety of lavender species. In most species the leaves are covered in fine hairs, which normally contain the essential oils.
• REFERENCE: information from wikipedia
  INFO: all about lavender
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• Where to Grow Lavender:

  Lavender can grow in almost any climate. They grow best in well-drained soil under full sun. The soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline at approximately 7.0 pH. So do a soil test before planting. However, you can find lavender growing in the toughest gardens.

• Lavender do best in moderate climates; but they do thrive in cooler and warmer climates depending on the time of season for planting. You can find commercially grown lavender fields throughout France and other moderate-temperature, dry areas.
• INFO: how to plant and grow lavender
  INFO: types of lavender
• IMAGES: lavender fields france
  INFO: lavender fields texas
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• Garden Planning With Lavender:

  Lavenders are a perennial herb that can be harvested for flower cuttings, herb flavors, and the production of oils for skin and lotions. Lavender can grow in almost any climate – they only require full sun and well-drained soil.

• So they can be planted almost anywhere in your garden. You can clump them together you give you a mass display of color; or sparsely plant them to compliment other floral arrangements. Lavender aromatic smell definitely attracts butterflies. Having the plant disbursed through your garden will invite butterflies and bees to your landscape.
• Lavender can also do well in rock gardens. A sprig of color among the rocks add color and aroma.
• IMAGES: garden planning with lavender
  IMAGES: using lavender in rock gardens
• INFO: landscaping with lavender
  INFO: plant combination with lavender
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• Care and Pruning Lavender:

  Lavender require little or no fertilizes – they just need full sun with well-drained soil. They need to be watered 1-2 times per week – depending on the climate conditions. Just make sure the soil drains.

• Prune every year after the flower blooms about 1/3rd from the top. You can also deadhead flowers once spent – this will allow new flower growth. In colder climates, it best to leave some pruned foliage around the base of the plant to protect it from frost.
• Lavender blooms can be cut for display and drying. Simply cut stems off just below the first set of leaves.
• If your lavender is having problems, it’s most likely due to over-watering, too much shade, or high humidity levels. Lavender grows best in dryer conditions.
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• INFO: pruning lavender
  INFO: growing lavender in pots
• YOUTUBE: growing tips & FAQ
  YOUTUBE: Planting Lavender!
  YOUTUBE: secret in pruning lavender
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• Harvesting Lavender:

  Lavender is a herb that can be harvested for the following:

  • Floral Arrangement:

    the beautiful flower can be cut and added to bouquet or other flower arrangement for color and aroma.

  • Dried Flowers:

    after using the lavender in the floral arrangement, you can place your lavender out to dry upside down. With proper care and drying, you can extend the aromatic dried flower for up to 10 years.

  • Cooking:

    lavender is a herb and can be used for cooking. It has been used in dishes and soups.

  • Oils:

    lavender is famous for it’s oils that can be used for aromatherapy, skin care, lotions, and other cosmetics.

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• INFO: how to harvest lavender
  INFO: How to Cook & Bake with Lavender
• YOUTUBE: how to Harvest and Dry lavender
  YOUTUBE: 5 Ways to Cook With Lavender
  YOUTUBE: How To Make Lavender Essential Oil
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• Lavender Summary:

  Light:  full sun
  Soil:  neutral pH 6.7 to 7.3
  Height:  1-3 feet
  Width:  1-3 feet
  Flower:  blue, pink, purple, white
  Foliage:  gray/silver
  Season:  summer
  Features:  low maintenance, drought tolerant, cut flowers, fragrant, attracts butterflies
  Propagation:  seed, stem cuttings
  Zones:  5,6,7,8,9
  INFO: view growing zones
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