The Lavender Lover's Handbook

April 16, 2012
Bader's encyclopedic encomium to varieties of, and uses for, lavender is missing the fragrance of the plant, but little else. Almost 200 color photos make the case that 100 varieties of lavenderâor some fraction thereofâare worth drying, drinking, and dreaming about. Bader explains lavender's characteristics and differences among species in helpful details; there's even a color photo guide to help lavender aficionados parse their purples and violets. Chapters offer recipes and crafts guides; beyond sachets, try lavender syrup or truffles. Lavender can be added to a home-crafted cleaning solution because it has antimicrobial properties. Not everyone can grow every lavender. Gardeners in temperate climates can't use certain species, but every gardener can have a gorgeous scented field of the color purple if they pick the right lavender variety and prune it as it matures. This useful book will suit both novice and experienced gardeners. 190 color photos.

June 1, 2012

Lavender is the beloved plant that first entices many into herb gardening, but its many varieties and numerous uses could prove daunting without this excellent guide. A lavender farmer herself in Oregon, Bader highlights old standbys as well as several cultivars released since 2000, though she discusses fewer varieties than Virginia McNaughton does in Lavender: The Grower's Guide. Impatient readers will appreciate her many quick lists for things like earliest bloomers, favorites by bloom color, lavenders with strongest scents, and best choices for hedges, containers, humid summers, or cold weather. Bader explains cultivation, companion plantings, and incorporating lavender into knot, rock, and edible gardens. Two wonderfully illustrated charts depict the wide range of both flower and foliage color, helping readers understand the color descriptors in the directory entries (though each entry has a clear photo, too). A nice selection of craft projects and recipes rounds out the book, though serious cooks will prefer Jennifer Vasich's The Lavender Gourmet. VERDICT This is the best recent all-around lavender book, with something for gardeners, crafters, and cooks alike.--Bonnie Poquette, Milwaukee

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2012
One of the most distinctive and beloved fragrances in the world, lavender has justifiably earned its multitude of devotees, thanks to its soothing and delicate aroma, varied culinary and healing properties, and rewarding landscape versatility. A bit tricky, a tad temperamental, yes, but for those who are willing to do a little advance planning and provide a smidgen of TLC, lavender will reward the observant gardener with enough sensory benefits to make it all worthwhile. Along with a thorough and enlightened discussion of lavender's specific cultural requirements and landscape applications as well as a succinct compilation of 100 top varieties, Bader offers an extensive collection of recipes and instructions for everything from lavender desserts and drinks to wreaths and wands. A nationally recognized lavender expert, Bader cultivates 5,000 plants representing more than 90 cultivars on a small Oregon farm, and her uncommon depth of practical experience and unrivaled knowledge make this an indispensable manual for the seasoned gardener and an inspiring guide for anyone captivated by lavender's alluring qualities.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)