WIf you’re starting to give some love to your garden this spring, but are not sure what to plant, lavender should be at the top of your list. It’s tough, beautiful, and useful in more ways than one. It’s not one of those high-maintenance plants that needs babying. Lavender thrives in the Okanagan heat and still handles winter like a Canadian. And, it smells amazing! You can grow it for the looks, for the scent, or even for your drinks if you like to get creative in the kitchen. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking to build a garden that looks great and requires little effort. Here are five reasons to plant lavender in your Kelowna garden this season.

A Lavender Plant a Day Keeps Mosquitos at Bay

Mosquitos ruin everything. You’re out there trying to enjoy your patio or water the flowers, and all you can think about is how itchy your bites are. The good news is that lavender naturally helps with that. Studies show the oils in lavender repel mosquitoes, without the need for chemicals. So, if you plant a few bushes near your sitting area, you might notice fewer of those little bloodsuckers buzzing around. It’s not a cure-all, but it helps. Especially if you’re trying to avoid spraying your yard with stuff you can’t pronounce.

Make sure you plant it in a spot that gets full sun, since lavender loves the heat. Dry soil is just fine, and in most cases, better. Overwatering is one of the quickest ways to kill your lavender, so if you’re the forgetful type, this is your plant. Once it’s established, it takes care of itself.

Also, be sure to give your plants some space. Lavender doesn’t like being crowded. It needs airflow and room to grow. Do this and you’ll end up with happy, bushy lavender and way fewer bugs. 

Lavender Was Made for Your Kelowna Garden

Kelowna summers are hot. Because of the extreme heat, some plants wilt, some bolt, and many end up dying. But lavender loves the heat. This is a Mediterranean plant that’s used to tough conditions. That makes it a perfect fit for our dry summers. You don’t need to water it every day, which is great for adhering to watering restrictions. Instead, you can let the soil dry out between waterings, and your lavender will be just fine.

What’s more, lavender can handle winter. We get snow, we get cold snaps, but lavender still thrives. Just make sure the soil drains well. It doesn’t like soggy roots, especially in winter. If you’ve got heavy clay soil, mix in some sand or gravel when you plant. That keeps things loose and helps prevent rotting.

It’s also a great pick for xeriscaping. If you’re trying to use less water or just don’t want to deal with a needy garden, lavender checks all the boxes. 

You Can Eat It

If you’re not spraying chemicals in your garden, lavender can go straight into your kitchen. You don’t need a lot either. Just a few sprigs can go a long way. It pairs really well with drinks like cocktails, mocktails, lemonades, sodas, and even coffee and matcha.

But be careful with what lavender you use. Not all varieties are suitable for culinary use. English lavender is your best bet for cooking and drinks. French or Spanish varieties look pretty, but they can be bitter. So make sure you’re planting the right kind if food is your goal.

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of planting and harvesting to get the lavender flavour into your recipes, you can always buy our farm-made lavender syrup!

Pollinators Love Finding Lavender in Your Kelowna Garden

If you want your garden to thrive, you need pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds do a ton of work out there. They make sure your tomatoes set fruit, your flowers keep blooming, and your garden keeps growing.

Lavender is a magnet for pollinators. It smells amazing to them, and it blooms for a long time. That makes it a steady food source. Bees especially can’t get enough of it. And in times when pollinator populations are under threat, every little bit helps.

Plant Lavender in Your Kelowna Garden This Spring!

Lavender is the kind of plant that gives back in more ways than one. It’s pretty, it’s practical, and it’s perfect for your Kelowna garden. Whether you’re trying to cut down on watering, keep the bugs away, feed the bees, or just add a little flavour to your food, lavender can do it all.

For more information about our lavender products, contact us today! We’d be happy to help you find the perfect item. Be sure to stay up-to-date with our blog for more summer and spring gardening tips. We look forward to hearing from you soon!