by Kelly
As Rosemary is to the Spirit, so Lavender is to the Soul. ~Anonymous
A few years ago, I put two small lavender plants in a raised bed in my backyard. It's one of the sunniest areas in my whole yard and also has very good drainage - two main requirements for growing lavender. The first year, my lavender didn't do too much..a few little flowing stalks here and there. But the past two years it has grown considerably, to the point that I am able to harvest large bunches of these heavenly scented purple spires.
After just a few minutes of trimming the stalks, my entire office was filled with the soft, powdery freshness from this bundle of lavender. And my hands....the natural oils of lavender had provided me with the most delicate of perfumes. It was so lovely.
Lavender (and lavender oil) has been used for centuries in a variety of uses. Ancient civilizations added the flowers to their bathwater to help wash and purify their skin - they word 'lavender' comes from the Latin root 'lavare' which means 'to wash'. Lavender has also been used for medicinal purposes due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition to its medicinal purposes, lavender oil is touted to relieve a variety of neurological issues including insomnia and anxiety. The theory is that the soothing and relaxing scent is said to promote a feeling of calmness while the volatile components in the oil have a physiological effect on the limbic system.
I don't really care how or why it works...I can only attest to the beauty and calmness that lavender brings into my life. I use lavender oil in an atomizer beside my bed and I have placed little bunches around the house where I can enjoy their delightful color and scent wherever I go.
I truly believe that lavender is a scent for the soul.
Until next time,
Kelly
7 comments:
So jealous! My neighbor has beautiful lavendar all over her garden. I planted it 2 years ago and it died 😲 Maybe ill try again this summer. I DO love it...
Also your dark and moodies of it are wonderful
First of all, your photos are absolutely gorgeous! I can almost smell the lavender right through my screen! I purchased a bunch of dried lavender once and loved the smell but I can imagine that the fresh smells even better. It is the perfect prop for your "dark and moody" shots!
Your photos are as lovely to look at as lavender is to behold and smell! It must take a while for lavender to get its groove. We planted three plants several years ago. Two have bit the dust, one survived and after a few feeble years is looking good this year. Fingers crossed it will continue to thrive. Thanks for the encouragement!
I absolutely LOVE lavender, but it doesn't grow well in our parts...however that doesn't keep me from buying the oils, candles, soaps...I could go on and on! You have shared such great information about this plant and its wonderful properties! Your photos are gorgeous and I also love that quote! Thanks for sharing!
Love your gorgeous pictures! I have small bottle of lavender beside my bed, so I can spritz my pillow and sleep well.
thank you all so much! i wish i could share a bunch with each of you! xoxo
My most favourite plant the scent is sublime.
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