A new lavender variety took pride of place for the first time during graduation at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga. Developed in the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga, the plant was available for sale to graduates and their guests as a memento of the occasion from Monday 12 December to Wednesday 14 December. Proceeds will go towards the support of research students at CSU. The variety, ‘Riverina James’ is an ornamental and hybrid of Lavandula dentata (French lavender).  Lavender breeder and lecturer in animal genetics and gene technologies, Dr Nigel Urwin said, “The plants were produced for us by Plant Growers Australia (PGA) with a special label for Charles Sturt University. The lavender is one of several bred at Charles Sturt University, which are improved in oil yield and quality. Following sales at graduation, we plan to sell other varieties in 2012.” Riverina James can be obtained locally from nurseries and is produced by PGA. Other varieties in the Riverina series can be obtained from Larkman Nurseries in Melbourne. Read more about graduation here.