The calming influence of Lavender…

Flowers of every color are blooming in flower beds, gardens, and fields around the Upstate. The various scents of lilies, roses and fresh herbs are competing for attention. A favorite of many is lavender. The soft, calming scent is hard to top. I love running my hands through a lavender plant and releasing its relaxing fragrance into the air. So much of the time when we imagine the scent of lavender, candles, bath salts, or sachets come to mind, but lavender can be used for so much more. Because of its antiseptic effects, lavender can be used topically to “treat bruises, burns, and wounds.”1 Lavender essential oil can also help reduce swelling from bug bites or bee stings. The fragrant herb also has several culinary applications. Have you ever enjoyed lavender lemonade? Or lavender shortbread cookies? Yum! In some areas of the world, lavender is used frequently in cooking. For example, it is used in the French seasoning blend called Herbs de Provence, which can be used to season chicken, beef, (and also my favorite) pork dishes. While lavender can be fussy to grow, with patience and well-draining soil, success is possible! Lavender loves the heat of our summers and thrives in raised beds and rock gardens with alkaline soils. Seeds are difficult to germinate, so the plant is easiest grown from cuttings or plugs. If you are looking for options to enjoy lavender this summer, try visiting one of our local lavender farms to enjoy the sites and scents and cut your own bouquet of lavender flowers!

Wishing you calming days of June!

Jessica

1 A Love Letter to Lavender: History, Benefits, Types, and More (healthline.com)