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LAVENDER
Hardy Perennial
 Everyone
seems to be in love with lavender today and with good reason. Not only is its
fragrance legendary but there continues to be new discoveries regarding its
health benefits.
Lavender is best purchased as plants. There are many
varieties of lavender but only a few are hardy through our New Brunswick
winters. The English lavenders including Hidcote, Munstead and Lady Lavender
survive our winters best, especially when covered with brush. Other
varieties can be grown as annuals or in areas where a mini-climate can be
created to increase the protection in winter.
Lavender likes sun
and well-drained soil. It is very undemanding otherwise and grows well.
There is a critical time for harvesting, just as the buds come to bloom. If left
too long the flowers may fall off when drying. Make bundles of 10-12 stems, tie
with an elastic and hang in a dark dry place. When dry use in sachets or for
decoration. It will keep its scent for a long time.
There are many ways to use the lavender you grow.
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use as hedging – prune in late fall or spring
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add sprigs to wreaths
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make lavender jelly
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put dried flowers in sachets for dresser drawers
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infuse as a tea to soothe headaches and calm nerves
Try this Lavender Cooler that we have been serving at the
Farmers’ Market Co-op on Barker Street on Saturdays this summer.
Combine 3 cups sugar with 3 cups water. Bring to boiling and reduce heat,
stirring often, until the sugar is dissolved. Place ˝ cup dried lavender
flowers in a large bowl. Pour the syrup over the dried flowers. Let stand until
cool. Strain the syrup and keep chilled for up to a week. To serve, combine 4
cups syrup, 4 cups lemon juice and 8 cups water. Stir well. Serve over ice.
At Tansy Lane Herb Farm we have many products with
lavender. All our products contain real lavender flowers or pure essential oil
of lavender. Avoid lavender scented products as they have no health benefits.
- Lavender bath salts
- Lavender bubble bath
- Lavender linen water
- Lavender sachets
- Lavender sleep pillows
- Lavender spritzers
- Lavender powder
- Lavender hand cream
- Lavender eye pillows
- Lavender poems on note cards
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- lavender for cooking
- lavender jelly
- lavender honey
- lavender blueberry vinegar
- lavender balsamic vinegar
- lavender chocolate
- Lavender shortbread cookies
- Lavender Blue Balm Tea
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Many customers have been telling us that they have
huge lavender plants. We are fortunate to be able to grow a few kinds so well.
If you haven’t tried it, do so. Your rewards will be great and just look at
all the ways it can be used.
Carole Coleman
Tansy Lane Herb Farm
490 Albert Mines Rd. Albert Mines, N.B.
Phone 734-3006
fax 734-1881
Our shop is open daily from
10-5, May-October but it is best to call ahead to be sure we’re not away berry
picking.
tansy@nb.sympatico.ca
www.tansylane.com
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