English Lavender

Lavender is a group of nearly 40 species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to the Mediterranean. Because the cultivated forms are planted in gardens world-wide, they are occasionally found growing wild, as garden escapees, well beyond their natural range. Because Lavender cross-polinates easily, however, there are countless variations within the species.

Many people grow lavender in their gardens as the flower spikes are used for dried flower arrangements. The fragrant, pale purple flowers and flower buds are used in potpourris. Dried and sealed in pouches, they are placed among stored items of clothing to give a fresh fragrance and as a deterrent to moths. The plant is also grown commercially for the extraction of lavender oil from the flowers. This oil is used as an antiseptic and for aromatherapy.

This beautiful fine-art scene print shows a field of lavender growing in long rows and is available as canvas wall art, acrylic mounted or poster art.

Photography by Doug Chinnery.