I fell in love with lavender in France, on a walk in the Provence countryside. Our guide led us to a 12th-century abbey called Sénanque. I was mesmerized by its bluish-grey weathered walls that rose above a swaying ocean of lavender. The arid breath of the afternoon was alive with humming cicadas, hidden in the undergrowth. The dark amethyst lavender stalks danced in the breeze.
Someday, my garden would capture my times in Provence and the unique style of the French potagers, which combines languid flowers with vegetables. Giving structure and contrast would be English-inspired clipped topiary hedges. That place would be alive with birds, butterflies and bees, enticed by a succession of flowers like lavender that are abundant with nectar and pollen.
Years later, when a realtor took me to what would become my true home, I was drawn immediately to the two mature olive trees in the back. Thanks to the former owner, another avid gardener, the property had the ideal bones from which I could design my fusion of nature, art and autobiography. One of the olive trees would be encircled with lavender. So, I set to work in the first year and planted a lavender hedge. The variety was called “Provence.”
Lavender’s various uses
It’s not just the scent and beauty of lavender, but its various uses that brighten my home and life. The term lavender comes from the Latin word “lavare,” meaning “to wash,” highlighting its association with cleansing. In ancient Rome, people used lavender to add fragrance and refresh bathwater, and in medieval times, lavender freshened and disinfected linens and garments. Like other plants in the mint family, lavender repels pests such as mosquitos, fleas, moths and ticks.
Lavender is associated with symbolic meanings, including serenity, tranquility, peace, purity, grace and devotion. Its gentle scent has been cherished for centuries for exuding calm, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation before sleep, whether it’s used in essential oils, candles, sachets or dried flower arrangements.
Nowadays, lavender is part of personal care items like soaps, lotions, wound care products and shampoos, thanks to its pleasant aroma and natural antibacterial/anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender is also a great ingredient for cooking and baking, as it adds a floral and aromatic touch to dishes.
Lavender and wildlife
Lavender is an important plant for wildlife as well. With its nectar-rich flowers, it attracts beneficial pollinators such as butterflies, bees and other helpful insects. Lavender and bees have a fascinating relationship, a prime example of mutualism—a mutually beneficial interaction between two species. Bees gain access to food sources of nectar and pollen, while lavender plants enhance their chances of successful reproduction.
Given the decline in bee populations worldwide and the importance of pollinators for ecosystems and agriculture, cultivating lavender and other bee-friendly plants can play a significant role in supporting bee populations and promoting biodiversity.
Caring for lavender
Lavender blooms are a mainstay of summer, starting from June to August, depending on where you live and what type of lavender you have. There are more than 40 types to choose from, including English, Egyptian, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Some varieties bloom earlier or later than others, so you can enjoy lavender flowers all summer long. Lavender is easy to grow and care for, if the gardener provides a location with plenty of sun and good drainage.
I harvest some lavender for sachets or house displays by first letting blossoms dry when half the buds have opened. For the best-preserved aroma, it’s best to start cutting early. I like to tie the bundles with twine and hang them upside down to dry in a cool place with decent air circulation. Before too long, the lavender will dry, replete with its wonderful aroma that I adore.
Mindfully growing Provence lavender
As I partner with nature, the scents, sounds, and visions of France and England are reimagined in my garden. I find gardening to be a mindful and physical process, and I try to fully concentrate and enjoy the smallest tasks like tying up a bundle of lavender. When I open a door and step out into the morning, I take my first deep breaths. Each day in the garden is new and uniquely beautiful. My body relaxes, and I start my day cleansed of restless thoughts.
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