Happy May Day, our opening day for the season!

 I love the serene, peaceful feeling of our lavender farm!  Our quiescent plants are beginning to show signs of  new-growth, preparing for the seasons flowers.  I took this photo a few days ago as the sun was setting on our lavender…Glorious beauty! We are looking forward to the fragrant beauty of our lavender plants in bloom…sigh…Maximus Aromatherapy

We are already seeing many of our Wildflowers showing their lovely faces in bloom, as we eagerly wait for our lavender flowers. The Lupine is always one of the first to bloom, and soon to follow are the  Iceland Poppy-Papaver, Iris,  and Blue Flax-Linum Perenna. I captured this photo of our first Lupine flowers yesterday. Another  lovely Purple flower!

You will want to visit, with your camera in hand, because these beauties are stunning against the back drop of Mt. Hood! We also have a path running through our wildflower garden, with benches to sit and relax, as you take in the aromas and beauty!

These photos were taken a few years ago.

If you’re still looking for the perfect  low maintenance plant for you garden or landscaping…look no further! We’ve got 100′s of starter lavender plants on sale at our Upick lavender farm, while supplies last. 

Want MORE Lavender Plants? Why not DIY and propagate some?

I took cutting two weeks ago from this Lavandin, Sawyer, and propagated them, making clone plants

To begin, it’s best to use a good quality potting soil or you can make your own by mixing approximately three parts peat moss with one part vermiculite and one part perlite. Remember that the most important thing is drainage…even a cutting of lavender DOES NOT like wet feet!

Once you have a good mix, fill several small terracotta pots, or starter trays,like I’m using in the photo, and make sure to dampen well. Now poke one small hole per pot into the mixture about 1 to 1.5 inches deep. Next, using a sharp pair of plant shears cut a small branch off the lower half of the lavender plant that is about 3-5 inches long. Make sure that the branch is soft and not woody. Strip the leaves off the bottom half of the cutting, and scrap off the “skin” on the bottom 1/4″ of the cutting, and place the cutting in the pot or tray.

Make sure to cover the bottom part of the cutting with soil. Water your cutting thoroughly. For the first couple of weeks keep the soil damp, but then water less frequently. Misting the cuttings often will allow them to take in water and keep them hydrated. After the first few weeks, water when the soil begins to get dry but before the plant displays any distress. Too much water will kill your new lavender plant. Good Luck growing your own lavender plants. You can also start L. Angustifolia lavender from seeds, however it takes a long time before you have a good size plant, at-least a year.

Many birds are actively seeking out food, and searching for new mates and nesting spots in our garden. I just filled two humming bird feeders, and hung them under our patio, just in time for a few hummers to find them. I Never use the nasty red food color in their food! My recipe is: one cup sugar, three cups water, boil 6 minutes, and cool well. They Love my all-natural juice

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Our Pink Flowering Almond bush is in bloom and lovely in front of our Retail Cottage. Perfect for our opening day  Looks like summer type weather is on its way for our opening week! We look forward to the season, and meeting all our customers that drop by for a visit, and spent some relaxing moments in the garden with us! Cheers to May, and  the new season of Maximus Aromatherapy and Beauty!

Cheers ~ Lavender Lady

Multi-Grain Herb Bread

3 cups lukewarm water
3 Tablespoons honey
3 teaspoons yeast
6 cups flour (I use 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup Buckwheat, 1/4 oatmeal or flax seed)
2 teaspoons salt
4 Tablespoons Olive oil
3 Tablespoons Hood River Lavender Spice Blend
2 cloves Garlic (chopped)
*glaze: 1 egg
oatmeal or seasame seeds

Proof Starter: Mix the following ingredients in large mixing bowl.
3 cups “lukewarm” water
3 teaspoons yeast
3 Tablespoons honey
1 cup white flour
Stir with a spoon to mix. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes until liquid is foamy.

Then add:
2 teaspoons salt
4 Tablespoons Olive oil
3 Tablespoons HRL Spice Blend
2 cloves Garlic (chopped)

Beat – 5 minutes on medium speed

Then add additional flour, one cup at a time. Mix well after

each cup, and continue adding flour until dough is stiff, and pulling

from the sides of mixing bowl.

Place dough on a well floured surface, and knead about 8 times.

Then place the dough in a large glass bowl, cover with plastic wrap or towel, and let it rise until
doubled in size for 2-4 hours.

Then place dough on a well floured surface again, and divide

the dough in half. Shape into two round loaves, and place
on oiled cookie sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Score the loaf tops making an  X  with a sharp knife,
brush tops with egg white glaze & sprinkle with Oatmeal or Sesame Seeds.
Let rise 10 minutes.

*Egg white glaze: 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon water , whip with fork.

Very Important information about this recipe:

This bread goes into a cold oven, with an oven safe pan or Pyrex dish
on the bottom oven rack large enough to hold 3 cups of Boiling water.
Placing the bread on the middle rack in the COLD oven, pour 3 cups Boiling Water into
the pan on bottom rack.
Then turn the oven on 400 degrees and bake 45 minutes, Do Not open the oven
as it bakes, because the steam will escape. The addition of steam as you bake this delicious rustic bread encourages a “Crusty” outside, with a wonderful flavor, and soft texture inside. Heavenly!

Mmmm…I love the aroma of fresh baked bread that fills my home!! Now to enjoy a warm slice with lots of Butter! The Perfect compliment with our Sunday FishNChip dinner <3

We’re continuing our Spring Cleanup around the lavender farm, in prep for our “Soft Opening” on Blossom Festival Weekend, April 20th, and 21st. The weather man said we were expecting a few days of rainfall, so I scattered a couple packages of new flower seeds, Shasta Daisy, Crazy Daisy, and Papaver Baracteatum, Great Scarlet Poppy, into our Wildflower Garden at the farm. There’s always room for a few more vibrant, happy flowers!!I love seeing all the new growth, and Spring flowers, like Forget-Me-Nots that are starting to bloom. Bright, Cheerful flowers

Enjoy a wonderful relaxing day. I’m heading outside for a brisk walk with our two dogs, Sadie and, Gunther.

Happy Spring!

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

Signs of Spring surround us, from the joyful birds song, to the sight of buds popping on the pear orchards, and fragrance of spring flowers.  The lovely, Forsythia is blooming in front of our house. This is Spring splendor…happy,cheerful, yellow flowers on a beautiful sunny day…aww…makes me smile

We are initiating  Spring Cleaning around the Lavender farm once again.  There’s tons of work to do, and I  wish you were here to share in the process!  Sadie, our sweet Lab, is ready to help and she brought along her glove!! LOL  She loves her life ‘down on the farm’, as much as I do!! Never a dull moment around here, especially at this time of the year with all the prep around our lavender farm.

Today I’m pruning off spent flower tops, and weeding around the edges of our wildflower garden, before the grass takes over with vengeance. I’m thankful to have one of my awesome helpers giving me a hand! Thank you Shelby!!

As I tend to the gardens, I get all excited inside, anticipating the gorgeous beauty, and aroma of the flowers that are just beginning to burst out of their tranquil sleep!!

 I took this photo  last spring, around mid-May, of the wildflowers garden with lovely Lupine, Iceland Poppy’s, and California Poppy’s in bloom. It reminds me of a Monet painting..sigh..cheers to Spring Splendor. I can’t wait to see these lovely flowers again!!

Happy Easter to you and your family! I hope your will find time to take a walk and breathe deeply, enjoying the beauty surrounding you with all your senses!

Here’s a wonderful recipe for delicious coconut lavender balls that would make a wonderful addition to your Easter celebration!! The toasted flavor of the coconut after baking is simply divine with the delicate floral notes of lavender..to delight your senses!

Coconut Lavender Balls

yields 20-36(depending on size)

Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) softened
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut(I used organic-unsweetened)
1 Tablespoon Culinary English Lavender-finely ground
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In the bowl of a large mixer, using the paddle attachment,
cream the butter, 1/4 cup confectioners sugar, ground culinary lavender, and 1 tsp. vanilla on medium
speed, until light and fluffy.

Scrap down sides of the mixing bowl. Mix in flour, salt, and coconut
on low speed until they are well combined.

Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Roll dough into 1-2 inch balls, spreading them
about 2-inchs apart. Bake for 20-22 minutes (depending on size)Some of the coconut will turn golden brown.

Roll the warm balls in confectioners’ sugar, let cool.

I left 1/2 of the balls plain, without sugar on outside.
Option: I also placed a walnut in the center of a few balls…hiding it inside like an Easter Egg
(Pecans or Hazelnuts would be great too)

I love these Coconut Lavender Balls..so Yummy!!Cheers to Spring, and Happy Easter blessings!
Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart’s Coconut Balls

With Easter right around the corner, a lovely batch of Comfort Bears and Pups just arrived to our website. These cute bears and pups are perfect calming, soothing buddies for your Easter Baskets, gifts for loved ones, or just cuz you need one.

Oh, and we have have a few Pegasus and Unicorns too!

I can’t stop hugging these plush sweeties as I’m filling them with our Organic Lavender It brings me great pleasure knowing these comfort bears and pups will be going to someone very special!! They have lots of warm hugs, love, and soothing comfort to give

A gentle hug, or squeeze releases the fresh calming aroma…fragrant and so adorable. Sure to become a BFF

Happy Easter, and Happy Spring to you!

The Lavender Lady

About Lavender.. “A walk through a field of blooming lavender is a stroll that is never forgotten”!

Lavender is an herb rich in history and culture. Long prized for its scent and healing properties, it is also one of the most beloved plants in the garden. Ranging in colors from vivid sun-soaked indigo to a subtle violet-white; it evokes within all who encounter this plant a sense of calming and rest through its wonderful heady and unmistakable aroma. Lavender is rich in aromatic molecules called esters, which are antispasmodic, pacifying and tonic, while other molecules give it its antiviral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory powers. One of the most consistent of the many therapeutic attributes of Lavender oil is respiratory relief. Hood River Lavender’s Organic Lavender oil is of particular benefit to respiratory relief, sinus congestion and sinus headache.

Lavender Essential is perfect to use on the skin since it’s PH balance is acidic, similar to the skin, hair, and nails. Used as Physical and Emotional support, Lavender is deeply rooted in aromatherapy. Its effect is calming, uplifting, refreshing, soothing and purifying. Here are some of my favorite uses of our Lavender Essential Oil!

Since it’s winter, for a few more days I’ll start with relieve for ‘Sinus congestion & Sinus headaches’.

1. Apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to the palm of your hands, rub together, then cup your hands and inhale deeply 10-15x.(Hidcote Giant and Gross0, lavandin E.O. is my favorite  for sinus congestion)

Calming relief for anxiety & stress:

2: Apply a few drops of Angustifolia Lavender E.O. to pulse points, temples, wrists, or on a tissue, and inhale deeply 10-12x.

Soothing Massage for sore muscles:

3. Add 15-20 drops Angustifolia Lavender E.O. into a good quality carrier oil, Sweet Almond, Olive,  Jojoba, Grape-seed, or Sunflower Oil. This is a particularly effective way to apply the lavender oil when you have tight, sore muscles, under stress, or have sustained an injury. Great on tired hands and feet The oils will be absorbed quickly into the blood stream, thus assisting the body and mind.

Soothing bath:

3. Add 10-15 drops Angustifolia Lavender E.O. into the bath water, enjoy a soothing, relaxing soak.

For Insomnia, sleep-aid:

4. Apply a few drops of Angustifolia Lavender E.O. to pulse points, and on tissue, or pillow, inhale 10-12x, and have Sweet Dreams!

For a clearer complexion, and soothing relief on Acne, Eczema, Dermatitis, Folliculitis:

5. Lavender is a natural antiseptic and astringent, that helps tone, balance and control surface oils, and has been used to treat acne, and other skin conditions for years. Apply Angustifolia Lavender E.O. onto your acne area, and also in your bath water to soothe your skin. You could also, add 15-20 drops  to a 2 oz  mist spray bottle of distilled water, and sprayed onto the irritated skin area to help soothe and heal.

First aid-Antiseptic-Antibacterial:

6. Apply Angustifolia Lavender E.O. to irritated area for cuts, burns, insect bites or stings, poison oak, ivy, and athlete’s foot. Great for everyday “Farmers” cuts to assist healing & stop infection.

For calming, balancing aroma in your home:

7. Add a 10-12 drops Angustifolia Lavender E.O. into the top dish of an ‘essential oil diffuser‘ or a ‘vaporiser’ with water.

Fresh bathroom:

8. Add a few drops Grosso Lavandin, or Angustifolia Lavender E.O.  on the edge of your toilet paper roll, a few drops around drains, trash bins, or toilet bowl water.

Freshen linens for that “natural lavender garden aroma”:

9. Apply 10-drops Grosso Lavandin E.O. onto wash cloth or towel into the dryer.

Lavender’s lovely aroma is rich, and camphoric sweet, with an herbaceous floral note. It is a truly magical plant and those who have ever been enticed and seduced by its sweet heady aroma become enamored for life!! As I said before, A walk through a field of blooming lavender is a stroll that is never forgotten! It is tranquil, serene and balancing to the body as well as the psyche. Aww..inhale deeply!

The addition of English culinary lavender, our “Signature Blend“, gives this Irish Soda bread a lovely delicate, floral note! The wonderful flavor combination of  lavender, honey, and raisins delightfully enhances an old favorite comfort food of mine! I love baking and the amazing delicious released aroma of fresh baked bread that fills my home! It always evokes memories of  my childhood at age of  five, walking into my Grandfather’s bakery in Juneau, Alaska, and selecting fresh baked breads and pastries! Awww…such heavenly aroma & flavor!! I wonder if my Grandfather ever baked with culinary lavender? Lavender has been used in cooking for centuries.

There are two varieties that we grow and use for culinary, one is English lavender known as, Lavandula angustifolia, also known as the True Lavender, and L. X-intermedia, Provence, a hybrid. In this recipe I’ve used English lavender, our Signature Blend, because it has low camphor content, and lends a more delicate floral note to culinary dishes. Provence has more camphor content, and lends a  more bold, savory herb flavor, which I like in Focaccia Breads, herb breads, and meat dishes. Maybe you’ll consider planting a few cultivars of culinary lavender in your herb garden this spring. A delicious edible flower, and a perennial too ! I will discuss growing culinary lavender in my next blog post.  ;)

Happy baking!

IRISH SODA BREAD

4 cups flour (3 white/1 whole wheat)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 Tablespoons English culinary lavender
2 Tablespoons honey
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 cup raisins (I added gobs, 1 1/2 cups; in this case, more is better)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Stir all your dry ingredients in a large bowl. Beat the egg and honey together in a small bowl or cup.
Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients, and add buttermilk, egg, honey, and raisins.

Mix together with a fork until flour is combined and the dough is sticky. (do not over mix)
Turn out on a well floured surface and knead until soft, about 8 times.(Use extra flour if necessary to prevent the dough from sticking to your fingers. I like to use a spreader-spatula as I knead the dough, pulling more flour around the dough if it begins to stick)

Pat dough into a round loaf, and put into your large cast iron skillet that has

“Cornmeal” sprinkled in the bottom. (you could also bake it on a cookie sheet)

Brush the top of the loaf with remaining small amount of egg/honey/buttermilk.

This helps the loaf have a rustic golden brown color.

Slash a cross like this X or # in the top with a sharp knife about 1/2′”deep,  to bless your loaf  :)

Bake for 15 minutes, and then reduce the heat to 375 degrees, and bake another 30 minutes.

It should be done when you tap the top of the loaf and it sounds hollow, “the thump test”!
This bread should be eaten the same day it is made, with gobs of butter, or my favorites Lavender butter, or molasses/butter

blend drizzled on top of each slice. Ahhh…extremely delish!! Enjoy the flavor and the delightful aroma that fill your home & soul!

Baking always has extreme therapeutic, healing powers that lifts me out of the winter doldrums, and bringing a Smile! Enjoy!

Adapted from:mycatholickitchen.com

Lavender Butter

1/4 lb unsalted butter room temp
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon dried culinary “Provence lavender buds, finely
ground in a spice grinder

Place the butter, honey and lavender in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until just combined. Transfer to a sheet of parchment or wax paper. Roll into a 1-inch-wide log. Refrigerate or freeze. This butter makes a great compliment to breads, muffins, scones, and even sweet cornbread!

Recipe adapted from The Lavender Cookbook by Sharon Shipley

I love these lavender brownies! They’re moist, and chewy,with a delicate floral flavor, that compliments the chocolate perfectly!! Love at first bite!! Makes a delicious Valentine’s Day Treat <3

Lavender Brownies

3/4 pounds (3 sticks) unsalted butter
3 cups organic sugar
6 eggs
2 Tablespoons ground culinary English Lavender
3/4 teaspoons salt
3 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups Cocoa (unsweetened Dutch-process)
1 cup Porter Beer
1/2 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans) optional
3 cups flour

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
Mix together butter, sugar, and eggs. Blend well.
Then add lavender, vanilla, and beer. Mix slowly.
In another medium bowl add cocoa, flour, nuts, and salt.
Blend into the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted
in the center comes out mostly clean.

Enjoy with vanilla Ice Cream on top, or just plain with a glass of cold milk. What could be better?

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!! Share a little LOVE with someone that you know. It will bring a smile to their face, and warm their heart and yours!!  <3 <3

I’ve been feeling under the weather with a wretched bug, and I’m craving “Sunshine”!  How about you?

I need a soothing cup of Lavender Tranquil-a-Tea with honey, and some comfort food that is light and easy!! My first thought is Tapioca, then I found several recipes of pudding made with those amazing “Chia Seeds”..  Hmmm…how would that taste with culinary lavender in it!  :)  This delightful, refreshing, dessert is a perfect, warming, and hearty match with my cup of  lavender tea. It will also make a delicious Valentine’s Day Dessert. <3

Banana Coconut Lavender Chia Pudding

serves 6

2 1/2 cups skim milk(optional: Coconut Milk or Almond Milk)
5 Tablespoons whole Chia Seeds
1 cup mashed bananas (1 1/2 bananas)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons honey(rounded Tablespoons)
2 1/2 teaspoons finely ground English Culinary Lavender
Berries, for garnish

1. Place milk, chia seeds, and culinary lavender in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a low simmer, stirring occasionally with a whisk.

2. When the mixture begins to thicken, about 15  minutes, whisk in remaining ingredients (except garnish).

3. I added the honey and vanilla first… 2 rounded Tablespoons of honey (you could use light agave syrup).

4. Next I add mashed bananas.

5. Then I add unsweetened coconut, blend well.

6. Divide pudding into 6 small serving dishes, garnish with berries of your choice, or Chocolate chips (I used Raspberries).  Cool in refrigerator until firm, at least 1 hour.  I enjoyed mine while it was still slightly warm!  Yummy & good for me too! I feel better already!

Enjoy this decadent dessert, and a  lovely poem, to brings a Smile  :)

“LOVE”   by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

And in Life’s noisiest hour,
There whispers still the ceaseless Love of Thee,
The heart’s Self-solace and soliloquy.
You mould my Hopes, you fashion me within ;
And to the leading Love-throb in the Heart
Thro’ all my Being, thro’ my pulse’s beat ;
You lie in all my many Thoughts, like Light,
Like the fair light of Dawn, or summer Eve
On rippling Stream, or cloud-reflecting Lake.
And looking to the Heaven, that bends above you,
How oft! I bless the Lot that made me love

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Lavender Essential Oil is powerful healing for sinus congestion…keep it close and “huff”, inhale deeply, several times a day for sinus clearing, soothing headaches & of course for Insomnia. Our Lavandin, Hidcote Giant, has a wonderful floral, minty, & menthol like aroma, different from any other lavender essential oil that we steam distill. I love the natural healing power of this lovely lavender!

When I inhale Hidcote Giant deeply I experience mood balancing, calm, and soothing peace. It is a profound experience, that also encourages the memories of a perfectly beautiful summer day at the lavender farm…with 1000′s of fragrant lavender in bloom. A beautiful heavenly aroma fills the gentle breeze, as 100′s of bees buzz around the lavender, and sweet humming birds fly around the patio feeders.. Ahhh…this rejuvenating aroma brings healing inside my spirit, and joy as I smile, enjoying these sweet memories of Summer at the lavender farm! I will inhale this lovely Lavendin, Hidcote Giant, often and joyfully! I’m in my little piece of  Heaven!!! In the photo, I’m taking an aromatic “break’ between some pretty large lavendin on our Upick Lavender Farm.  (On my left, Hidcote Giant; on right, Super, both are Lavendin)