Lavender

Nature's beauty challenges our ability to describe in mere words or even in photographs. Ellen Spector Platt's new edition of Lavender - How To Grow And Use The Fragrant Herb (Stackpole Books 2009) meets this challenge and then some. The book, 145 pages, contains photographs of lavender fields, garden paths, wreaths and more images. The beauty of lavender dazzles us; however this book invites us to discover more about this plant. Platt's book describes its history from ancient times when Roman soldiers used the herb to perfume their bath water to now when lavender is celebrated in festivals around the world. Platt provides useful advice about growing lavender. Full sun is a must for this plant. Good drainage and alkaline soil are also preferred. For harvesting Platt offer tips for cutting, drying and using lavender making it easy to enjoy its beauty even after summer is over. Farms and festivals offer visitors opportunities to "observe essential oil being distilled from the harvest; hear the banjo picker, the country trio, the six-string electric violin, or the Celtic fiddle." Once again Platt speaks to all our senses and invites us to appreciate lavender for its beauty, fragrance, usefulness and its taste. She provides a list of festivals so you can discover the experience of lavender yourself. Taste, my favorite part, is now coming into its own in America. In France, lavender has been a favorite in the kitchen for a long time. Platt shares recipes for Poached Apples, Aromatic Chicken and instructions for serving Edible Flowers. I am pleased to have contributed one of my special recipes - Roasted Halibut a la Provence. If you are intrigued with Lavender, this book will help you discover its array of attributes. If you are looking for an unforgettable Mother's Day gift, look no longer. Pick up a copy of Lavender - How To Grow and Use The Fragrant Herb and why not splurge and add a lavender plant! Gifts That Bloom ~ Aromatherapy Lavender Garden Munstead Lavender Herb - Perennial - 8 Plants

Ms. Platt has once again demonstrated her ability to provide a wealth of information in an entertaining and engrossing manner. There is truly something for everyone - from growing tips to wonderful desserts. Her practical advice as well as the easy to understand project directions encourage even the "bumblers" like myself to undertake a creation. The lavender farms and festivals are now on my vacation "wish list". This is an inspiring book from start to finish complete with beautiful photos and wonderful memories.

This book was everything I hoped for: projects (lots more than the first edition), recipes, tips on drying, propagation, and perhaps most importantly, recommended varieties and suggestions on how to grow lavender in containers and in the ground. Pretty pictures, clear instructions, tasty deserts...what more could a lavender lover ask for?

This is the companion for anyone starting a love affair with lavender. The author, in an easy to understand style, covers the history, the different varieties and the how to of growing. There are chapters showing how to use the plant in home projects and in kitchen recipes. Lavender festivals and sources are even part of this all in one book on lavender. The accompanying pictures are an added bonus in this 5 star book.

I am new to cultivating lavender and I took this book out of the library only to find that it is INVALUABLE and I had to purchase a copy for my home. I refer to it again and again. The author is very knowledgeable and covers a variety of topics which are all of interest to me. Her writing style is engaging and you can tell the author knows her stuff. On top of all that, there are beautiful pictures throughout. This book helped me greatly to learn what variety works best in my home garden. Excellent book and a must-have for anyone interested in lavender. If you are looking for a recipe book look elsewhere--this book is for serious gardeners.