Several years ago, my husband and I went on a vacation to Oregon. Somewhere between the coast and Portland, we stopped at a lavender farm just to see what it was like. Although I love the aroma of lavender, I never gave any thought to it. Well, that was about to change! We fell in love with the rows and rows of magnificent purple plants and I was mesmerized by a fragrance too wonderful to describe.
While I wandered through the Gift Shop browsing lotions and oils and other products made from lavender, Con enjoyed his first cup of lavender tea. Though not much of a tea drinker, he really liked the aroma and taste. He was hooked. Now, in addition to drinking green tea for health, he drinks lavender tea for enjoyment and relaxation.We drink lavender lemonade in summer.
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| Dripmeister |
Home from Oregon, I began to investigate lavender to see if it would grow here. I assumed that because it grew so well in Oregon and Washington State (both wet climate states) that it would not do well here in our dry, hot area. But I thought I'd give it a try anyway (against the recommendation of a local, expert landscaper). I amended the clay soil in my backyard with sand, lime and pea gravel. Then put 18 lavender plants in the ground. Some thrived, some died. But by the 3rd year we knew how much water was needed and healthy plants resulted.
To my way of thinking, if 18 work well, then 72 will work 4 times as well! So, we continued adding plants to the backyard, then a few to parts of the front yard.
Then my son built 3 large planters in my daughter's yard (they're a little bit bigger now)!!! and we planted 30 Hidcote lavenders. About 10 of them died and were replaced with Royal Velvets. They are doing fine. Con put in a drip systems for watering. Last May, we set another 16 Royal Velvets in a space on the east side of our house. They put out flowers this summer and look healthy. Con, by now quite an expert at installing drip systems, set up the watering for this section.
At first I just enjoyed the beauty of the color and aroma throughout the summer. But then I decided to start harvesting and researched how to do it. I put buds into a few sachet bags and tucked them in drawers and closets. Next I decided to try my hand at sewing again after a 35 year hiatus!!! So now I make not only sachets and little pillows and closet hangers, but also eye pillows, neck warmers, decorator pillows, pillowcase liners, saddlebag liners and more. I started a home-based business, "All About Lavender" which produces lavender, manufactures an array of products, and sells to the public by way of vendor fairs and home parties. It's a great challenge -- but that is what makes life fun!
I became a Charter Member of the newly formed Lavender Association of Western Colorado. We are planning for the 1st Annual Colorado Lavender Festival July 15 and 16, 2011 in Palisade, CO. There is a great deal of information available at the website. http://www.coloradolavender.org/.
We would love to hear from you. Perhaps we can share some of our experience and knowledge with you and you may have some for us. We appreciate your comments, ideas and information. So share your thoughts with us at aboutlavender@yahoo.com.
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| OUR FIRST HARVEST - BEAUTIFUL LAVENDER |
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