Heritage collection

We are delighted to have been recognised by Plant Heritage for our unique collection of lavenders. Our specialist nursery has cultivated rare varieties for over 15 years. Richard Norris, director and grower at Long Barn, has created a unique display of lavenders in the heart of the Hampshire countryside.

“This field includes a mixture of Lavender Angustifolia (Lavandula angustifolia) and the taller, later-flowering Lavender intermedia (Lavandula x intermedia), sometimes known as Lavandin – we have been granted National Collection status specifically for our collection of Lavender intermedia because we have some historically important varieties.”

The idea of a National Collection is to preserve rarer plant varieties so they don’t become lost to cultivation. For example, some of the lavenders at Long Barn are old commercially farmed varieties that have fallen out of favour but are still beautiful and make excellent garden plants.

The lavender has been loving the Mediterranean temperatures these past summers, reminding us that it is the perfect candidate for sustainable gardening. ‘Apart from when we first plant the lavender, we never water it here at Long Barn, where we garden on free-draining chalk. Water shortages are in the news, and many Mediterranean plants don’t need to be watered – these are perhaps what we should all be considered for the future,’ suggests Richard.

Visitors are welcome to stroll amongst the flowers and enjoy the wide range of colours, from white to pink to deep blue to purple, and the soothing scent. Please be mindful of the bees. They’re slightly drunk on all the nectar!