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We
are excited about re-opening our shop on April 1st. This year we will
offer for sale an even greater variety of lavender plants. One in
particular, our very own Harwich Blue,
has very dark, late June/ early July flowers. We have worked for two
years to establish this hardy signature plant. (hidcote variety)
Also, this Spring we will expand our "Enchanted Garden". Designed and built by Eddy Foisy, the garden allows children and adults alike to let their imaginations wander. A shade garden, the plantings surround a miniature stone replica of a medieval castle. Hidden among the varieties of plants, faerie house portals add to the fantasy, the wonder, and the experience nature is always ready to give us.
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| Perfect
for homemade sachets and other crafts. Freshen any storage area or
use with home decore for that final touch. |
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Tips
For Growing Lavender
1.
Plant your lavender from march until late October. (Fall is the
best time to plant.)
2. Once your lavender has bloomed you may start to harvest when
the first bud starts to OPEN. This way, you will capture the best
color for drying. You may continue to harvest your lavender until
the flowers start to pass because they become more fragrant as they
mature.
3. If you have chosen to harvest the lavender on your plant then
you may trim your plant a bit as you harvest to keep it shapely.
if you choose to enjoy your flowers on the plant and not harvest
them, then you should trim your lavender back in the fall ( mid
october) by 1/3. keeping your lavender cut back prevents too much
woodiness and encourages new growth.
4. Plant your lavender in a well drained location with plenty of
sun. You will need to sweeten your soil with lime if it is acidic.
Lavender likes a ph of 6-7. Lavender only needs to be watered until
it gets established (about two weeks). After that, let Mother Nature
take over unless we have severe drought. Keep in mind that if lavender
gets over-watered it can drown, especially if drainage is poor.
Tips
For Caring For Freshly Harvested Lavender
»
Approximate drying time is 2 weeks.
» Remember, there are many varities of lavender and they all
differ in some way. Longer stems, plumper buds, different shades
of color (lavender, pink and white) their fragrance and flavor will
vary as well and they will all dry a little differently.
» Do not place in water.
» Place your fresh lavender in a container or hang upside
down to dry. for better color you should make sure your bunch has
dry air circulation and is not in direct light. Humid air promotes
mildew.
» Some of your buds will wilt. This is natural. Hanging upside
down will help keep stems straight.
» A gentle tickling of the buds and stems as they are drying
will help keep moisture out.
» Your fresh lavender will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.
You may loose some of the small buds but save them for sachet or
for culinary delights.
» As the lavender dries, its flavor and fragrance will increase.
To renew scent, just gently pinch the buds.
» Use fresh sprigs as garnish for desserts, salads, main dishes
of fish, poultry, red meat or just about anything you wish. Try
floating a sprig in a glass of champagne or white wine. The bouquet
is released almost immediately.
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