The timeless appeal of lavender

About this time, Lin Chilvers planted six acres of lavender on his farm in Heacham, starting what is now Norfolk Lavender, and the great tradition of English lavender was thereby preserved.

Now lavender production is slowly returning as a general farm crop in some areas of England, helped by falling prices for wheat and other conventional farm crops.

Norfolk Lavender, however, remains the only farm operation devoted exclusively to lavender. The company distills its own oils and markets them around the world.

It's also a major destination for tourists on their travels through the rolling countryside of Norfolk. That's how I came to step off a bus in the heart of the Sandringham estate recently, and where I learned much about the plant.

You don't have to live in England or France to grow lavender successfully. The plant's needs are simple: neutral to slightly alkaline soil, good sun, a modest amount of fertilizer in spring, and moist but not wet soil. Drainage must be excellent.

Lavender must not be mollycoddled if it's fragrance you're looking for. One reason for Norfolk Lavender's success is that the somewhat dry soils of the region force the plants to develop a strong root system in search of water. This promotes good oil production.

To help the plants develop a good shape, it's vital to prune the plants all the way back to the brown stalks at the end of each growing season. One reason for the attractive plants in commercially grown fields is that harvesting cuts the plants back to roughly six inches above the soil line, leaving them in a slightly mounded shape.

English lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7. Farther north than zone 6, plants may not survive the winter. Some gardeners in zone 5 are successful at getting lavender to return year after year by mulching it heavily, and others grow the plant as an annual.

In the Southern states, French lavender (Lavendula dentata) and lavendin (Lavendula intermedia) are more suitable than English lavender, because they stand up to the heat and humidity better.

Lavender grows readily from seed but most gardeners start with plants. Once you have your favorites in place (colors range from the traditional lavender to shades of blue, pink, and white), taking cuttings and rooting them in early summer is a simple way to extend your lavender beds.

Meanwhile, if you're visiting England, you might like to stop in at Norfolk Lavender and take a tour. When you walk into the sea of blue you may well hear the hum of bees all around. It leaves you with an "all's right with the world" feeling.

• For more information, see www.norfolk-lavender.co.uk.

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