Since there are quite a few Lavendar events taking place this summer I thought we could begin our first discussion with this wonderful herb.

Latin Name: Lavendula angustifolia (English lavender, true lavender or L. officinalis)

Angustifolia means "narrow-leaved"

Lavendula comes from the Latin "lavare" which means "to wash".

Lavender belongs to the Mint family (includes oregano, rosemary, thymes and sages)

Lavender is considered a summer blooming herb where most will flower from seed in two years.

Lavender Field

Upcoming Lavender Events in California

2009 Cache Creek Lavender Festival Open House | June 13th & 14th
Rumsey, California | website
On Saturday June 13 the farm offers an open house featuring pick your own lavender, scheduled field talks, lavender products and lavender plants for sale. Sunday, June 14th, events include live music, wine tasting, food, demonstrations, field tours, pick your own lavender, lavender products and plants for sale, and more.

Everyone is welcome and admission is free. Bring the family and a picnic lunch and join the festivities. Well behaved dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leash at all times. Keep in mind that it will most likely be too hot to leave your dog in your vehicle. Dog water will be available.

Tuscan Heights Lavender Gardens 4th Annual Open House| June 27th
Whitmore, California | website
The 4th Annual Open Garden Lavender Festival is scheduled for June 27th, 2009. Please come by to enjoy the lovely gardens, look at the nursery and browse in the gift shop. Tuscan Heights Lavender Gardens is located at 12757 Fern Road East in Whitmore, California.

6th Annual Ojai Lavender Festival
Ojai, California | website
In southern California, the fourth annual Ojai Lavender Festival will take place in June in downtown Ojai. Please join in for a full day of fragrant fun as we learn, love and live all things lavender.

http://www.discoverla..., June 12, 2009

Lavender is also a wonderful disinfectant and can be used in homemade cleaners and laundry

How To Make Homemade Herbal Lavender Dryer Bags -
5" x 5" cotton muslin or cheesecloth squares (2)
Thread
Lavender

Directions:

Sew large "tea bags" out of muslim or cheesecloth squares, leaving an opening at the top to fill with lavender. Sew the top shut. No need to sew fancy, just place the squares together and sew a single seam along the top about 1/4″ from the edge.

Roughly squeeze the bags before tossing in the dryer with wet laundry. When laundry is done the scent is light, not overwhelming at all. Especially nice to use on loads of bedding (sweet, fragrant dreams).

Bags are reusable! When the lavender is no longer doing its job, take a seam ripper and open about 2″ on one end, empty the bag, refill and sew shut. For one last kick at the can, crush the used lavender and toss it around your carpet. Let sit for about an hour then vacuum.

Tip: Make more than one dryer bag so that the same bag isn’t in one load after another, alternate them so each bag has a chance to cool down before being used again.

http://tipnut.com/hom..., June 12, 2009

For pricing information on supplies, please email me at patricia@hdcountrystore.org