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If the word Lavender makes you think of scented soaps and closets, you are not far off, but Lavender is a lot more than that.
As far as we know, Lavender has been around for over 6000 years. Even the mummies in Egypt were swaddled in cloths that contained Lavender oil. Farao Toetanchamon was found with lavender in his tomb and the ancient Greeks and Roman used lavender in salves that were supposed to bring down fever. The Romans also used lavender in their baths: the Latin word "lavare" means " to wash".
In the middle ages lavender was believed to have magic powers because it kept harm at a distance: like insects and the plague. During war it was used to disinfect wounds. In the 19th century lavender was also called the "blue gold" because demand from the perfume industry increased and as a result lavender became scarce and expensive. In France, in the Provence, farmers started to grow lavender in order to make a living.
Until 1920 only real lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) was grown to collect etheric oils. After the invention of the washing machine, lavender was used to scent detergents. Demand increased once again until demand greatly outran supply. This was the start of Lavandula x intermedia, a crossing of the real lavender with Lavandulea latifolia. This lavender yield more etheric oil and was easier to harvest mechanically.
Today, there are 3 main lavenders:
1. Lavandula angustifolia - real lavender
2. Lavandula x intermedia - hybrid
3. Lavandula stoechas - kuif lavender
Lavender is one of the easiest plants to grow in a sunny environment. They are not very demanding and need no fertilizer or water added. They like some chalk in the fall. You must snoei lavender twice a year to create full shrubs. The first time in March or April, as soon as they start to grow. Cut stems back as far as possible, but leave some leaves on otherwise it won't grow back. As soon as the flowers are gone -late August or September - it is time to cut back again but cutting the flower stems a few centimeters above the leaves.
Lavender does not only smell nice, you can use the flowers of real lavender to spice up your food: ice, tea, salades, cake etc. You can also use lavender oil to create a lovely relaxing athmosphere in your bed or bathroom.
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Last Updated on Saturday, 23 January 2010 17:31 |
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Choosing Full Sun Annuals
Annuals die in one growing season, meaning that the seeds germinate and sprout, become plants with leaves, produce flowers and seeds and then die. Their seeds may grow new flowers in the following growing season, but they are the offspring of the plant and not the original plant. Full sun annuals often work well in pots or as borders to the garden, while others such as the sunflower work well to fill a sunny corner of the garden.
Caring for Full Sun Annuals
Most annuals prefer full sun and a soft, loamy soil that is loose. To achieve this you can use ground bark or peat moss mixed into the soil if your soil happens to be sandy and dense. When removing annuals purchased in flats or a container, be careful to pull the flower out with roots intact. If the plant is root bound you can loosen it a little by gently massaging the root base two or three times. It's best to plant annuals on a cloudy day or when the sun is not strong. Most annuals prefer moist, frequently watered soil. Unlike perennials, annuals have a short growing time and thus generally require a bit of fertilizer, perhaps once a month. Annual flowers don't generally require pruning but need to have the dead flowers removed and possibly some light trimming. |
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Last Updated on Saturday, 23 January 2010 17:31 |
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Choosing Full Sun Perrennials
Full sun perennials don't die at the end of the growing season; instead, the plant remains above ground perhaps in a dormant state, with just its foliage but no flowers, much as a tree would lose its leaves in the winter yet live on. They also produce seeds. New plants may grow as well, but the original plant with proper care will bloom year after year. Perennials make good hedges and borders.
Caring for Full Sun Perrennials
There are many varieties of full sun perennial flowers, and they do not all have the same care instructions. It's important to consult with your nursery when making your purchase. It's also important to read the directions that come with the plant; generally these are basic directions, but it's a start. You might also consider purchasing a book on gardening. The basics are preparing the soil bed, fertilizing and trimming or pruning. You should make sure that your garden bed is free of weeds and apply a few inches of good organic mulch. This will keep weeds to a minimum. Planting the plants close together will force weeds out. Fertilizer is not generally recommended and some perennials don't like it all. For this reason it's best to apply natural compost in the spring and fall. Pruning is achieved by removing dead flower heads; thinning is achieved by removing shoots or trimming. |
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Last Updated on Saturday, 23 January 2010 17:31 |
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The FSG Core Team members are volunteer gardeners who are working together to create this site. |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 09 July 2009 15:12 |
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Welcome to Full Sun Gardening.com. If you are looking for information about gardening, and your garden is mostly full sun, then read on. This website contains loads of information about what to do, and what not, what plants to use and most importantly: how to create a beautiful garden with healthy plants in an organic way. |
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Last Updated on Saturday, 23 January 2010 17:10 |
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