A break from tradition! An ANNUAL Lavender, flowering in the same year in which it is sown. Dwarf, compact plants, with spikes of soft blue flowers, which have an array of uses, from patio containers to bedding and making an instant border edge or hedge. Wherever you plant, 'Lady's' unique fragrance will fill the air - and don't forget that you can use the flowers in pot-pourri. You can also treat Lavender Lady as a Hardy Perennial. Flowers summer. Height 20-25cm (8-10in).

Sow from February to August at 21-24C (70-75F) in a good seed compost and cover with 1.5mm (1/16in) of compost or vermiculite. Seal inside a polythene bag until after germination which take 14-21 days.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out, after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart, in full sun and ordinary well drained soil.

Trim back in March/April. For drying, pick the flowers before they are fully open. Hang in bunches to dry.

Make delicious lavender sugar or lavender and mint jelly from the freshly picked flowers.