Lavender brings joy to sunny South-East

I’ve always been fascinated by herbs for their variety, beauty and usefulness.

As aids to healing in the time before commercial medicines, in the kitchen to flavour foods, and as important ingredients used to fragrance perfumes, pomanders and the musty interiors of medieval homes, they have proved invaluable.

But out of all the many varieties of herbs, lavender must surely reign supreme when it comes to beauty, usefulness and as heir to such a rich and colourful history.