Bonjour! Today I’m writing to you from Loumarin, a village in the south of France.

Loumarin is situated in the Luberon, a massif (read: a collection of mountains) in the Provence region of France. It is known for its breathtaking landscapes, idyllic villages and perhaps most famously, its lavender fields.

Though not formally recognized as such, I consider the lavender fields of Provence a wonder of the world.

Then

Lavender was brought to the region by Romans some 2000 years ago.

The plant took immediately, as the Mediterranean climate created perfect growing conditions. It began to be harvested and used by locals around the Middle Ages, and by the late 19th century it was being cultivated for commercial use.

In the early 1900s, Provence saw its first lavender distilleries—where essential oil is produced from the herb. Many of these distilleries still exist and are functioning today.

Now

Today, lavender remains a primary crop in the south of France.

In June and July, the hills of Provence explode in carpets of rich purple. You can’t drive down a road without running into a lavender field—usually punctuated by a stunning, pastoral chateau in the distance.

The blooms last through August, when the region returns once again to its usual palette of yellow ochre, olive green and aqua blue.

Provence in your backyard

Visiting Provence isn’t necessary to experience the wonders of lavender. You can simply grow your own!

While mediterranean conditions are prime for this herb, plenty of varieties will thrive almost anywhere. Here are the three main types, and the hardiness zones where they grow best.

• English lavender (zones 5-8): Sports pink, purple, blue or white flowers on blue-green, needle-like foliage. A low-fuss plant that’s very common at garden centers, highly fragrant, and blooms twice throughout the summer. Best varieties: Munstead, Hidecote

• Lavandin hybrids (zones 5-10): Hybrids of English lavender, and more tolerant of high-humidity. These varieties bloom once in late summer. Best varieties: Phenomenal, Provence

• French and Spanish lavender (zones 7-10): Can be grown as an annual in zone 6 or below. Less fragrant than English lavender, these flowers look distinct from other lavender types—with bright purple petals that stick up on top of an otherwise dark, compact spike.

Most plants reach 1-3 ft tall and wide, and are great for lining pathways where their scent can be enjoyed by passersby. Lavender can also be easily grown in pots.

Growing lavender

Lavender is an easy plant to grow. Its requirements are two-fold:

• It loves dry conditions, so well-draining soil is a must

• It’s a full sun plant, needing at least 6 hours of sunlight a day

Spring is the ideal time to plant, though I’ve planted English lavender in summer with great success.

While lavender is drought-tolerant, it will need regular water in its first year, until it’s established. Once a week should do the trick.

Lavender is best planted with other flowers that appreciate dry conditions. I have it paired with white roses in one part of my garden, creating a divine combination of color and scent throughout the summer.

While lavender will indeed grow happily in our non-mediterranean conditions, it is more short-lived, sometimes lasting only 4-5 years before needing to be replaced.

An important note on pruning

The time to prune lavender is early spring, once leaves begin to appear on the plant.

As lavender matures, it develops a woody base (think branches as opposed to soft green stems). It is important not to cut into this base when pruning, as doing so will kill the plant. Instead, prune the top third of the plant, cutting into the soft bendy stems.When the Good Lord begins to doubt the world, he remembers that he created Provence.

🌸 Flower I’m admiring

Star jasmine.

It’s grown en masse here, adorning a great many facades in every provincial village.

Its habit of gently crawling across a wall, dainty white flowers abound, is enchanting—but it’s the scent that has my heart.

The Jasmine’s scent is rich and alluring. It hangs in the air everywhere you go, fully immersing you in this already other-worldly place.

More than lavender, I think jasmine is the true perfume of Provence.

📖 Book I’m reading

Weyward by Emilia Hart.

I cannot travel without at least three books, usually hardcovers and always the heaviest thing in my suitcase. It’s a comfort, and something familiar when you’re surrounded by the unfamiliar.

I discovered Weyward through my friend Maddie’s book club, Cherry’s Literary Society. If you like magic, nature, beautiful things and cozy nights in, I think you’ll love it.

Want to grow your own lavender but still have questions? Reply and let me know! Happy to provide some suggestions to bring this provincial charmer to your garden.

xx,

Courtney

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