History and Lore

A symbol of luxury and success, fragrant lavender enjoys a long-standing, well-deserved reputation for the spell it casts upon the senses. Documentation of lavender dates back to antiquity. The Romans and North Africans used lavender to scent their baths and laundry. Hence the name lavender, which is derived from the Latin word for washing, lavare.

Through the ages uses for lavender have been many and varied: from the alleviation of migraine headaches, upset stomach, menstrual pains, kidney disorders, jaundice, relief from infection in wounds and soothing of insect bites, calming nerves, to healing acne. More folkloric uses included remedies against loss of memory, melancholy, and swooning fits.

Today lavender is recognized as an aromatic remedy to sleeplessness, fatigue, tension, stress, headaches and congestion of the sinuses. Visit our Products for lavender items designed to alleviate these maladies.

Growing Lavender

Lavender is a very easy perennial to grow when planted in the proper site. It thrives in hot, dry areas, though it can tolerate a moister climate if the site is chosen carefully. Select a well-drained planting area that receives at least 6 hours of full sunlight per day. If the soil is compact or has even moderate clay content, mix sand into the hole before planting. While requiring adequate watering when the plant is establishing itself, lavender is drought tolerant once it is mature.

Plants need to be pruned in the spring and fall to control the sprawl of the woody center. A lavender plant can be enjoyed in one’s garden for up to 20 years if properly pruned.

Lavender is a popular landscape plant in areas where hungry, marauding deer are a problem. These creatures can graze your entire homestead down to nothing faster than you can say ‘we spent the summer landscaping’, but they will always stay clear of pungent lavender. However, keep your goats contained…