Lavender in the Garden: Spotlight on 'Little Lady' and 'Munstead'
Lavender in the Garden: Spotlight on 'Little Lady' and 'Munstead'
Lavender, known for its fragrant flowers and calming properties, is a cherished ornamental plant in gardens worldwide. It thrives in sunny spots and adds both aesthetic beauty and practical value, whether used for culinary purposes or topical applications. Among the many lavender species, the English lavender varieties' Little Lady' and 'Munstead' stand out for their distinct attributes.
Both are ideal choices for gardeners who want to add splashes of colour and fragrance to their outdoor spaces. These lavender cultivars are perfect for creating borders or hedges, as well as for culinary lavender uses. In this article, we will explore the growing requirements, culinary uses, and benefits of using 'Little Lady' and 'Munstead' as part of your garden's design.
Characteristics of 'Little Lady' Lavender
'Little Lady' lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Little Lady') is a compact, early-flowering English lavender variety that grows to a height of just 12 to 16 inches (30-40 cm). Its neat, dense growth makes it a perfect ornamental plant for small spaces, containers, or edging pathways. The vibrant purple flowers, which bloom from early summer through late summer, add visual interest and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of any garden.
This variety thrives in lots of sun, well-drained soil. Its drought-tolerant nature makes 'Little Lady' a great choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance plant. Its woody stems and compact form are also well-suited for tight spaces, small garden borders, or mixed beds where it adds pops of colour with its vibrant purple blooms.
Characteristics of 'Munstead' Lavender
'Munstead' lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead') is another standout English lavender cultivar. Known for its silvery-green foliage and fragrant, blue-violet flowers, it grows to 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) in height. Named after the famed garden of British horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll, 'Munstead' is particularly hardy, tolerating cooler climates better than other lavender species.
This variety also flourishes in sunny spots with well-drained soil, where it can bloom profusely from late spring through the summer months. The longer flowering period and evergreen foliage ensure year-round interest. 'Munstead' lavender is especially useful for creating borders and hedges. Its robust nature allows it to thrive in a variety of conditions, including coastal gardens, where its salt tolerance is an added advantage.
Culinary Uses of Lavender
English lavender, especially 'Little Lady' and 'Munstead', is excellent for culinary purposes due to its sweeter flavour compared to other lavender species like French lavender. The fragrant flowers are perfect for a wide range of culinary applications.
Using Lavender in Cooking
Culinary lavender can be used sparingly in savoury dishes and desserts, where its floral notes enhance flavour without overwhelming the other ingredients. One of the most popular uses is in herb blends like Herbes de Provence, which combines lavender buds with thyme, rosemary, and other Mediterranean herbs. This mixture is ideal for seasoning meats like chicken and lamb or adding depth to roasted vegetables.
Lavender's floral aroma also makes it a perfect addition to baking. You can finely chop lavender buds into shortbread, scones, or cake batters, adding a unique flavour. Lavender-infused sugar or simple syrup can elevate desserts like custards or ice creams with a subtle, aromatic quality.
Fresh or dried lavender can also be used to infuse lavender oils, vinegar, and beverages like lemonade or tea. Lavender tea offers a calming experience, while lavender-infused oils are excellent for dressing salads or marinating meats.
Lavender in Borders and Hedges
Both 'Little Lady' and 'Munstead' lavender are perfect for creating garden borders and hedges, with each variety offering distinct advantages.
Using 'Little Lady' for Borders
'Little Lady' lavender is ideal for low, neat borders. Its compact size and dense growth habit make it perfect for edging pathways or creating tidy garden beds. When planted about 10 to 12 inches apart, 'Little Lady' forms a uniform, low-maintenance hedge. Its bright purple blooms last throughout late summer, adding beauty and fragrance to any space.
Using 'Munstead' for Hedges
While slightly larger, 'Munstead' lavender is better suited for more expansive or informal hedges. Its flowing growth creates a softer, more natural look, ideal for cottage-style gardens. Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow them to grow into a lush, fragrant hedge. 'Munstead' is particularly effective in coastal regions due to its salt tolerance and robust nature, making it a great choice for gardeners in such areas.
Maintenance and Care for Lavender Borders and Hedges
Whether you choose 'Little Lady' or 'Munstead', maintaining lavender borders or hedges is straightforward. Lavender plants require lots of sun- ideally 6 to 8 hours per day - and should be planted in well-drained or fertile soil. If your soil is heavy, amend it with sand, gravel and plenty of organic matter to improve drainage. Pruning is also key to maintaining lavender. Trim back about one-third of the plant's growth after flowering to encourage bushier growth and prevent leggy, woody stems. With more mature plants, cut the flower stems down to the base once they have finished flowering.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking to create a compact border with 'Little Lady' or a more expansive hedge with 'Munstead', both English lavender varieties offer exceptional ornamental beauty and practical benefits. From their fragrant flowers to their culinary versatility, these lavenders will add elegance and a touch of Provence to any garden. Their suitability for various applications, from culinary lavender uses to topical application, makes them an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners alike.