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{ about lavender }
 There are 115 varieties of Lavender. Havenhill features Buena Vista lavender, a variety appreciated for its brilliant purple color and sweet aroma.
Our lavender is naturally grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides and we have over 4000 plants and seven varieties in our field. Dry summers and moist winters, similar to those in the Provence region of France, provide the ideal climate for our plants to flourish.
Lavender is a drought tolerant perennial that takes 12 to 18 months to propagate from start to a 4-inch pot for planting. Lavender planted in the Willamette Valley soil responds well to lime fertilization in the fall and occasional irrigation when necessary.
Irrigating throughout the growing season could yield a second bloom on plants and corn gluten is being used for weed control. Our basic routine now consists of keeping the grass well mowed between the rows to keep the weeds down. Then a week or so before harvest we hand weed every row so the field looks its best.
In early summer when the buds begin to bloom, the lavender is harvested by hand with bull hooks (machete type knives) and hand scythes. It takes about eight cuts to complete harvest on one plant. Once cut, the stems are laid across the plant for a few hours to air dry, then bundled with rubber bands and dried in the hayloft. It air dries and stays beautiful for up to a year if not in direct sunlight.
There are many practical uses for the plant. Lavender soap, a delicious lavender honey, sachets, aromatic bath tea, exfoliating salt scrub, live lavender plants, and bright purple bundles are all available at the farm.
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Growing Lavender
A gardener’s friend
Lavender is a drought-tolerant plant making it easy to grow and maintain for gardeners of all levels. Home growers should pick a spot to plant lavender where it won’t receive too much moisture such as near other plants that don’t require much water or near the edge of a garden. Soil that drains well is recommended, however the plant is hearty and can withstand some of the most difficult terrain and weather conditions.
Plant lavender in the spring or fall and water regularly (but don’t over water) throughout the first growing season. This helps prevent young plants from getting stressed and establishes root systems in the soil.
The Prime Cut
Lavender should be pruned at least once a year. To dry the flowers for later use, cut stems just above the woody part of the plant when the first few flowers on the spikes begin to bloom. Then, tie the stems together and dry upside down in a dark, arid location (coat closet would be fine). If enjoying the flowers in the garden is preferred, cut back the plant after the blooms have died. In either case, the plant should then be pruned into the shape of a mound, without cutting into the woody parts. Spanish lavender is an exception; it tends to grow more like a shrub, but can be shaped appropriately with extra effort. It is possible to get a second bloom from the plants if they are nurtured in a region with an extended growing season.
Two of my favorite books are:
Lavender, the Growers Guide
Virginia McNaughton
Timber Press
The Lavender Garden, Beautiful Varieties to Grow and Gather
Robert Kourik
Chronicle Books
Lavender Lore
In ancient times, lavender was a symbol of distrust because it was believed that snakes made their nests near lavender plants. Thus, the plant could not be trusted as safe for use. Ironically, this drove up the price of lavender because those who harvested the plants were deemed risk-takers to brave the snakes.
Lavender is also considered the “good witches herb”, known to avert the “evil eye”. Consequently, it is believed that the plant provides protection; evil spirits disperse at the scent of the purple flower.
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region, but is most noted for being grown in Provence. Additionally, it is grown in England, Australia, New Zealand and more recently the United States.
Historically, lavender was used for its natural antiseptic properties to heal wounds and help prevent infection. We use the essential oil to keep bee stings from itching and the swelling down. Lavender is also a natural moth repellant.
Most commonly known for its calming effects, lavender is used in many aspects of aromatherapy. Some say it relieves headaches and anxiety, by either rubbing a bit of essential oil on the temples or resting on a lavender pillow. And, many use lavender as a sleep aid, inserting a small lavender sachet into their pillow or leaving one on the nightstand to squeeze before bedtime.
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Lavender Craft How-to’s
To make lavender wands or wreaths, only use freshly cut stems. They are more pliable and fragrant. Ideally, no more than 25% of the flowers should be open.
Havenhill’s lavender wreaths are made just as their Christmas counterparts that fellow farmers in the area form with pine branches. Using a wire wreath purchased at a craft store, take bunches of lavender and attach them to the frame with florist wire until the bare circle is completely covered with flora. Then, dry the wreaths flat before hanging in order to prevent lavender “sagging”. For home crafters, adding rose buds or other foliage that dries well can compliment the purple flowers and personalize the decoration.
To use dried lavender in potpourri or sachets, cut the stems when 25 to 50 percent of the flowers are in bloom. Bundle lavender in bouquets about 1-2 inches in diameter at the stem and hang in an arid, dark spot to dry. Once dry, rub the flowers between your hands to release them from the stem.
My mom makes a wonderful potpourri for sachets, combining 2 cups of dried lavender buds with 1 cup of dried rose petal. She adds a few drops of rose water to bring out the scent of the petals and fills pretty embroidered bags she sews herself. Try using a vintage hanky filled with your own lavender blend and finished just right with a pretty ribbon.
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Lavender at Weddings
Lavender is considered the herb of memory and used in wedding celebrations as a symbol of luck, devotion and joy. It is becoming popular to throw dried lavender flowers at the bride and groom in lieu of rice. And often, small lavender sachets are presented as favors to guests.
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