The second lavender has pale green leaves and is a more restrained presence
In Greece, it is customary to place a pot of basil near the front door so that guests may brush their hands against it and savor the fragrance before entering the house. Aromatic entryway gardens create a welcoming atmosphere. The visual attraction of the garden is enhanced by the scent of the herbs, warmed by the sun.
In two gardens I have created, I extended the principle to include perennial aromatic herbs: rosemary, lavender, oregano and lemon verbena. Two varieties of lavender grace the garden in my front terrace garden. One has grayish leaves and medium-length flower spikes. It threatens to take over the narrow raised bed. Regular pruning keeps it within bounds without dampening its enthusiastic presence.
The second lavender has pale green leaves and is a more restrained presence. Its fragrance is not quite as intense as the gray-leaved lavender, though clearly recognizable. Its flower spikes are not long, integrating the blooms into its branches. I planted two Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus' in the bed, one near the edge, hoping that its branches would eventually trail over the side of the bed. It has taken several years for that to happen, but some of its branches now reach the ground. The other rosemary is near the wall. Its looping branches give the effect of a piece of sculpture in the background.
