Description
A hardy evergreen shrub growing to approximately 3ft (1m) in height. The leaves are needle like, fragrant, downy, grey-green and up to 2" (5cm) long. They are arranged opposite to each other in successive whorls up the stem. The stem is squarish and becomes woody in the second season, the bark flaking. Seeds are four smooth, brown 'nutlets' encased in each fruit. The flowers are small, strongly scented and appear in summer on spike around 6" 15cm long depending on variety:

Dutch Lavender - Lavendula angustifolia 'Vera'
Has a height and spread of 18" by 3ft. It is native to the Alpine slopes of the meditteranean but cultivated in Europe, Tasmania and the U.S. Star shaped hairs cover the flower, stem and leaves, each containing minute oil glands which give the plant its refreshing but short lived scent. The flowers are mauve to grey-blue.

Old English Lavender - Lavendula spica
Height and spread of 4ft by 4ft. Its flowers are lilac to blue-purple. The leaves are silver-grey.

Cultivation

Site:	A sunny, open area will help discourage fungal diseases. Soil well drained and sandy. Will tolerate poor soils, lime and salt spray.
Propagation:	4-8" (10-20cm) stem cuttings spring to autumn. Divide. Sow spring or autumn.
General Care:	Thin/transplant to 18"-2ft apart. Remove faded flower stems. Prune hedges and straggly plants in spring - after the frosts. Clip as flowers fade. Lifespan of 5-6 years, then renew.
Problems:	Gather flowering stems just as flowers open. Pick leaves as required.
Harvest:	Froghoppers leaving 'cuckoo spit' which will suck the plants sap. Honey fungus which causes sudden severe wilting may occur.

Preserve: Dry flowering stems by hanging or laying on trays. Infuse to tea.

Warning: Avoid high doses if pregnant