For me, and indeed for many people, the scent of lavender has few equals, so much so that over centuries, a huge industry has evolved.

Belonging to a group of plants within the mint family, lavender originates in the old world from Cape Verde, Canary Islands, East Africa and Asia and there are many varieties and hybrids.

Whenever I walk past a plant I cannot resist picking a sprig to carry in my pocket.

In Medieval times it was used as a condiment and classed as a holy herb. Nowadays, lavender is coveted for its calming properties and found in numerous guises including aromatherapy, sleep inducing pillows, potpouris, dried flower arrangements, confetti, scents and oils to freshen clothing; as a tea infusion and to flavour cupcakes.

There was even a lavender-themed popular song penned in the late nineteen-forties which reached a high point in the charts of the time.

Naturally, having so many attributes, we are not alone in loving the shrub. In late summer bumblebees home in on the plant in great numbers and even more noticeable, especially this summer, small white butterflies (pictured), green-veined and large whites have graced the florets creating a most attractive contrasting scene of blue and white on sunny days.

Weather permitting, we can expect another large brood of white butterflies this month and any remaining lavender flowers in full bloom will be used as a superb nectar source.