About Lavender
Lavender, its fanciful mystique catches us for a moment and reminds us of days gone by. Perhaps it is reminiscent of Grandma’s linens, floral and sweet, pungent and woodsy, or maybe a bit of citrus with just a hint of mint. Could it be the breathtaking vision of row upon row of elegant, deep purple flowers dancing in the breeze as they stretch out their stems to touch the sun that causes us to stop, to try and touch something that seems just out of reach, and appreciate the wonder of it all.
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 there. It is recorded that the Romans used it to perfume and disinfect their baths and perhaps carried it to England as they moved north to conquer. It is 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 other claims say that it comes from the word ‘livendula’, meaning livid or bluish. Medieval laundry women were know as “lavenders” because they placed sprigs of lavender flowers between their linens and dried cloths draped over lavender shrubs.
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 and 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 recipes. From desserts to lemonades and teas, vinegars, mustards and salad dressings, as well as being mixed with other herbs to season meat, poultry, fish and vegetable dishes, the growing use of this amazing herb marches on. Aroma therapists have recognized for centuries the calming and soothing properties of lavender. Medicinally, lavender oil is used to ease the sting of bites and burns, repel insects and recognized as a mild antiseptic.
And, of course, 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 help us pause, momentarily, and reflect on how good the world can be.
Port Williams Lavender 1.360.582.9196 info@portwilliamslavender.com