It’s summer,
it’s hot and one of the few plants that thrive in our Central Texas heat
is Lavender, Lavendula officinales and related species. I recently
attended the 2nd Annual Blanco Lavender Festival and was
delighted to see nine independent lavender farms in the Blanco area.
Local farmers have discovered that lavender grows well in our dry, rocky
soils as do many other Mediterranean herbs (i.e. Rosemary, Thyme, Basil
and Oregano).
Lavender likes to be
planted in the sun and thrives best when it is well drained and doesn’t
get its roots wet. In the past, I have lost several plants during
rainy weather when the plant just got too wet, turned brown and moldy and
eventually died. It is very important to prepare your soil correctly
by adding sand and small rocks to your existing soil and mulch with small
rocks, pebbles or gravel for several inches around the base of the plant.
Since learning this information at the lavender festival and I planted
four lavender plants using this method.
Fragrant lavender
blossoms are used worldwide in making cosmetics and perfumes. Lavender is
found in a multitude of products including soaps, bath salts, hand and
body creams, shampoos and numerous other sweetly scented items. Lavender
is also edible and can be used in making cookies, cakes, teas, lemonade
and even ice cream. Be creative and know that a little bit goes a
long way.
I use the infused oil
of Lavender for mosquito bites as it immediately lessens any swelling.
Lavender is often used in herbal insect repellents, usually in the form of
essential oil. The essential oil of Lavender is also good to apply
(mixed in a carrier oil such as almond, grape seed or olive), on burns to
the skin and also to massage the temples for a headache.
My favorite medicinal
use for Lavender is as a nervine or sedative herb. I like to mix
lavender blossoms in a relaxing tea or use the essential oil in a spray to
mist my pillowcase at night. Lavender helps to ease stress,
assists in alleviating depression, and promotes relaxation by lessening
the tension felt in the body after a tough day. Lavender can also be
used in an herbal bath for relaxation and to ease muscle cramps and
tightness. Lavender seems to have a special affinity for the spirit of a
woman. Sprigs of lavender blossoms were placed in the hands of
birthing mothers for courage and strength. Its essence brings calmness and
inner strength to the user.
Lavender is so
beautiful, has the most glorious aroma and has so many uses that we all
need to have it growing in our gardens. There are many hybrids that
have been developed that are particularly good for our Central Texas
environment. Check out the Blanco Lavender Festival website for
further information,
http://blancolavenderfestival.com/ .
Many Green Blessings,
Ellen
