About Lavender

Lavender History

Lavender's fanciful mystique catches us for a moment and reminds us of days gone by.  Perhaps  reminiscent of Grandma's linens, herbaceous and soothing, gentle and peaceful.  Maybe it stirs memories of satisfying moments in the garden watching butterflies flitting from flower to flower or it could be the breathtaking vision of row upon row of elegant, deep purple flowers dancing in the breeze.  Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that lavender is loved, cherished and desired. 

Found growing wild in the dry, arid country of the Mediterranean, lavender loves the sun and warm, sandy soil found in that region.  It is recorded that the Romans used it to perfume and disinfect their baths and most likely carried it to England as they moved north to conquer.  It was one of the plants brought over by colonists to America as they strove to make their new country feel more like home.  The name 'lavender' has been purported to come from the word 'lavare', meaning 'to wash', but others claim  that it comes from the word 'livendula', meaning livid or bluish.  Medieval laundry women were known as 'lavenders' because they placed sprigs of lavender flowers between their linens and dried clothing draped over lavender shrubs.




And Today . . .

Lavender remains one of the most versatile of all herbs.  We toss it in sachets and scent our candles and potpourris to fill our home with its fresh herbal scent.  Used in soaps, lotions and spritzers, it soothes and cleanses and refreshes.  For culinary enthusiasts lavender, coming from the mint family, is becoming well known for its ability to add something special to favorite receipes.  Medicinally, lavender  essential oil, naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial may be used to ease the sting of minor bites and burns ,is recognized as a mild antiseptic, is effective as a bug deterrent and has been referred to in times past as a medicine chest in a bottle.

 

And, along with all its other amazing attributes, lavender is a garden plant excelled by few.  Requiring little in the way of water or fertilizer, lavender produces a display of beautiful, fragrant flowers all summer long.  There is nothing like a gentle brush against lavender in bloom to release its scent and encourage us to pause momentarily, to reflect on just how beautiful the world can be.