Press Release
The Genus Lavandula
For release 20 May 2004
An illustrated guide to Britain’s most loved aromatic plant, the Lavender, in a new book from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Although originating from the Mediterranean and warmer southern climes, Lavender has been a quintessential part of English gardens since the 17th Century. The Genus Lavandula is a new book exploring the world-wide importance of this favourite garden plant, its fascinating history in cultivation, gardening, and the perfume and aromatherapy industries.
With chapters on propagation, pests and diseases, commercial products, essential oils and chemistry and descriptions of 39 species and 400 cultivars, the book is a unique reference for botanists, gardeners, nurserymen, perfumers and aromatherapists alike.
The book is stunningly illustrated with full colour throughout and among the artwork are 29 full-page botanical paintings by Christabel King, Georita Harriott, and Joanna Langhorne, specially commissioned by Kew for the book and winners of an RHS Gold Medal.
Authors Susyn Andrews and Tim Upson have a tremendous passion for lavender which is conveyed throughout their descriptive chapters. Susyn is an Honorary Research Associate at Kew Gardens and a world-leading horticultural taxonomist who has published over 150 scientific papers and articles. Tim is Superintendent of Cambridge University Botanic Garden who trained as a horticulturist at Kew and went on to take a doctorate in Lavender at the University of Reading. The combination of their practical expertise in horticulture, academic acumen and a love of gardening has resulted in a publication that slips seamlessly between history, horticulture, popular culture and science.
Lavenders have been known since ancient times with the first written account traced to Greek physician Dioscorides around AD 65. From then on through to the Middle Ages it was documented as a herb for use in medicine and cleansing. Lavender was not grown as a commercial crop in Britain until the late 1700s when it was developed for essential oils and dried flowers. Kew’s Lavender displays are the Duchess Border with the most comprehensive collection of tender lavenders on public display in the UK, and the Lavender Trail of hardy cultivars in the nearby Duke’s Garden. Cambridge University Botanic Garden also has a stunning large collection.
Notes to Editors
The book will feature at the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday 24 May at the RHS Bookshop on the main avenue. Susyn Andrews will be available for interview.
Further Information, images and interviews (press only) contact Kew Gardens press office Tel 020 8332 5607 or email pr@kew.org.
For further Press information please contact:
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Kew: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5607/5619 |
Wakehurst Place: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)1444 894018 |
