GINA PARKINSON just can't resist the lavenders on sale at the farmers' market

THERE were several plant stalls at the farmers' market in York last week including that of Garth Cottage Nursery, which specialises in herbs. Mints, horseradish, tarragon and thyme were all present, but what caught my eye were the large number of different lavenders and the temptation was too great to resist. Surely one or two could be found a place in the garden.

Choice was difficult but had to be swift so three were picked out, one for its foliage and two for their flowers.

Lavandula lanata x Lavandula angustifolia or the Moroccan Lavender is a small to medium-sized plant with dark blue flowers on short stems. Mine is small and has no sign of blooms but it was chosen for its beautiful plump, silver foliage that will develop into a bright mound around 60cm wide and high.

Lavandula stoechas ssp pendunculata 'Avonview' must be a new variety as it isn't listed in The Plant Finder. It was developed in New Zealand in the 1990s and has grey-green foliage and dark purple flower heads topped with rich red plumes. It is a large bushy plant growing to 75cm.

Lavandula stoechas 'Madrid Blue' is a small French Lavender with grey-green foliage and lovely lilac flower heads topped with cream plumes - it is a good contrast to 'Avonview' although care will need to be taken to ensure it isn't overshadowed by the larger plant.

'Madrid Blue' is smaller growing, reaching only 36cm in height and spread. Not as hardy as the other two plants, it should stand a reasonable chance of surviving winter if planted in a sheltered garden in well drained soil by a warm wall.

The lavender family is a popular choice for low hedging or as specimen plants grown for their aromatic leaves and flowers which attract a mass of insects in summer.

Plants are easy to look after and most are long lived, growing in full or partial sun in any well-drained soil. Some lavenders are not hardy especially in areas with cold, wet winter soil; check the label before buying.

Pruning is simple but essential to keep plants in shape and to stop them becoming woody and bare of foliage at the base. Faded flowers should be removed in autumn and stems cut hard back the following spring. Take each one back to just above new growth as near to the base as possible. Avoid cutting below signs of new leaves, as lavenders will not grow on old wood.

Updated: 9:20 Saturday, June 28, 2003