Chen Narens- Thoughts
I only discovered how amazing lavender was after my husband and I bought a lavender farm. Before that, I viewed lavender as just another flower in the garden, nothing special. I used to think that the only color of lavender was purple and that it only had one type of flower.
I quickly discovered how mistaken I was. Our lavender farm has 147 different varieties of lavender with various colored shapes and aromas!
I learned so much in the past few years. Lavender is a versatile herb that comes in a wide variety of types and colors. Some of the most popular types of lavender include:
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): This is the most popular type of lavender, known for its strong, sweet aroma and deep purple flowers. It is often used in perfumes, soaps, and other personal care products.
French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): This type of lavender is native to the Mediterranean and is known for its distinctive, star-shaped flowers. It has a more medicinal aroma than English lavender.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula dentata): This type of lavender is native to the Mediterranean region and is known for its gray-green leaves and deep purple flowers. It has a more camphor-like aroma than other types of lavender.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia): This is a hybrid of English and spike lavender, and it is known for its large, showy flowers and strong aroma. It is often used as a substitute for true lavender in commercial products.
Woolly Lavender (Lavandula lanata): This type of lavender is known for its woolly, silvery-gray leaves and small, pale purple flowers. It has a distinctive, medicinal aroma and is often used in aromatherapy.
Hidcote Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'): This is a cultivar of English lavender known for its deep purple flowers and compact growth habit, it's a popular choice for gardens and borders.
It's important to note that not all types of lavender are suitable for every purpose. For example, some types of lavender, such as Spanish lavender, are better suited for ornamental use, while others, such as English lavender, are better suited for culinary or aromatherapy use.
In conclusion, lavender comes in different types, colors, and aromas, and each of them has its own unique properties, it's important to choose the right type for the specific use you have in mind.
I not only was wrong about the color types and aromas, but I also never truly understood what lavender is good for.
Lavender has been known for its calming and relaxing properties. It has been used for centuries in aromatherapy and traditional medicine to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Recent research has shown that lavender has a number of potential health benefits, including:
Reducing anxiety and depression: Studies have found that lavender essential oil can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improving sleep: The soothing scent of lavender can help to promote sleep and improve the quality of sleep.
Relieving pain: Lavender oil has been found to be effective in reducing pain, including headaches and menstrual cramps.
Improving skin health: Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help to improve skin health and reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes.
Enhancing cognitive function: Some studies suggest that lavender aroma can improve cognitive function, such as memory and attention.
Lavender is a versatile herb with many potential health benefits, and it's been used for centuries in traditional medicine to promote relaxation and reduce stress, however, it's important to use them under medical supervision.
If you're still not convinced of the versatility and benefits of lavender, we invite you to come and visit our farm. You'll be able to see and experience the different varieties of lavender and learn about how we use the flower in our products. From the fresh aroma of the blooming flowers to the soothing properties of our essential oils, you'll be able to truly appreciate the magic of lavender.
My favorite process is distilling fresh lavender during the growing season to obtain pure essential lavender oil. This flower essence is the foundation of all of our lavender products.
I enjoy making a variety of products, from body oils, lotions, lip balms, and salves to home decor with beautiful fragrances, using our lavender diffuser or 100% soy candles.
All our products are made with natural ingredients from the farm, with a focus on organic methods and sustainability. They do not use pesticides, herbicides, harmful chemicals, or wasteful methods.
We invite you to explore the beauty and versatility of lavender by visiting our online shop or by taking a trip to our farm during the months of June and July when our lavender is in full bloom.
Our farm boasts the largest collection of lavender varieties in the Western region, with over 140 different types for visitors to discover. From the classic purple, to unique white, yellow, pink, and more, our farm provides a diverse array of lavender options. Visitors can also participate in our U-Pick lavender program, purchase handmade lavender products such as candles, scrubs, oils, bath salts, and culinary salts, and try our delicious lavender and wildflower honey.
DIY classes, such as soy candle making, soap making, and lavender wreath workshops, are an absolute highlight for me. Not only do they provide an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, but they also foster a sense of community and camaraderie as we work together to create something beautiful. Collaborating with others allows me to learn new skills, share ideas and gain inspiration from different perspectives. Seeing the finished product come to life and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it, makes it all worth it. These classes are a great way for me to unwind, bond with others and learn new things all at the same time. I truly relish the opportunity to work with others in DIY classes.
CANDLE MAKING
WREATH WORKSHOP
