I was just searching which forum to post to about Lavender as I have a similar question- wasn't sure if I should have posted on Florida Gardening or Perennials-then I saw your question! I absolutely love Lavender but because of the heat and humidity in the south it's really difficult to grow. I've done quite well with it in pots over the cooler months but when the heat sets in it declines very rapidly. One winter I actually had some really pretty Spanish Lavender in pots which did really well. I was just searching where to find some more and found that Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh NC has a variety which does well in the south, so that might be worth a try especially as you are in Georgia. As it's a Mediterranean plant it really likes full sun and soil that is not too wet.

http://www.plantdelights.com/Lavandula-stoechas-Anouk-for-sale/Buy-Anouk-Spanish-Lavender/