For centuries, lavender has been used for domestic purposes in soaps, teas, herbal remedies, bath water and even in cooking.
Gardening
Blue moves
Try something fishy
If you've ever walked past an ornamental lake and marvelled at the fish in the water, perhaps it's time to introduce some fish into your own pond.
Chelsea showcases year-round interest
Visitors to this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show will no doubt see spring flowers in bloom long after their natural flowering period, while late summer perennials and other flowering plants will be brought forward in artificial conditions to ensure they are flowering for the event.
More plants layer by layer
It's cuttings season, when gardeners nationwide take cuttings from their plants to increase stocks of their favourites, but not all plants root well from cuttings.
Create a gravel garden to beat the drought
While much of the country is now in official drought status and householders are being urged to use water wisely, there's no better time to create a low-maintenance, low-cost gravel garden which isn't going to demand masses of water or time to keep it looking good.
Mulching mania
Mulching is such a useful process and so simple. You spread a layer of something or other on top of your soil, around your plants, and it stops the weeds coming up and keeps the existing moisture in.
Tough out the drought with evergreens
We are all by now aware of the various hosepipe bans in place and the prospect of drooping bedding plants and shrivelled vegetables.
RHS quest for young talent
A host of events are planned for the first Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) National Gardening Week, an initiative to encourage people to get growing.
New patio plants make summer sizzle
As summer beckons, many gardeners will now be deciding which patio plants to feature in their scheme, but it's a difficult job as there's so much choice and plants can vary greatly in quality.
Chelsea first for Swift
For a man making his debut at the illustrious Chelsea Flower Show this year, TV gardener Joe Swift seems remarkably relaxed, even though advice is being thrown at him from all directions.
Be waterwise this summer
Many gardeners may be looking outside now at the pouring rain, thinking 'Drought? What drought?'
More TV treatment for Monty’s garden
Spring is one of Monty Don's favourite times of the year, when primroses, daffodils, fritillaries and tulips emerge in his beautiful garden at Longmeadow.
Campaigns
Voice For Victims
Voice for Victims is a campaign aimed at promoting the rights of those affected by child sexual abuse.
This is Guernsey
Guernsey Press
