Q: I want to grow lavender. Is there any kind that would be better suited to our climate north of Atlanta?

A: I very much enjoyed recently seeing big fields of lavender near Sequim, on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Mild summers and fast-draining soil makes this area perfect for lavender. Closer to home, try ‘Provence’ lavender. Plant it in native soil mixed 1:1 with expanded slate (PermaTill, Soil Perfector). ‘Phenomenal’ lavender has recently been introduced and is said to be even better for high heat and high humidity.