Lavender: Visit the ranch for U-Pick lavender or enjoy our lavender in our personal care or culinary products.

Throughout the year, there is a sense of peace and calm on New Oak Ranch … a mood created and enhanced by almost two acres of curving rows of lushly-mounded lavender plants.  Originally planted in 2004 and 2005, our nearly 5,000 lavender plants burst into bloom in early summer and cover the gently sloping hillside with a distinctly sensual purple haze.  From mid-June through the end of July, we are blessed with a spectacular vista and aroma.

Largest plantings include varieties known as Grosso (most aromatic), Provence (our favorite for culinary applications), Hidcote (a spectacular garnish) and Buena Vista (dries well and remains intensely colored).  However there are more than 20 different varieties located on the property – to enjoy and inspire.  Bill and Karen open the ranch by appointment throughout the year and welcome visitors to "U-Pick" their own sweetly-scented bundles when the lavender is in bloom … please check Ranch Activities for more information on our farm visits and tours.

Most of our crop is harvested, dried and cleaned to gather the aromatic and flavorful buds, or distilled to create essential oils and hydrosols or hung to dry as lavender bouquets.  The dried buds are used to create sachets and potpourri or mixed to create our flavorful lavender sea salts and sugar products. The essential oils are blended to produce our richly aromatic personal care products. Please check Buy Our Products for more information.  All of our lavender is grown using organic farming guidelines.

Did your know these lavender facts?

• The word lavender comes from the Latin word lavare – to wash.
• In the 1920’s French chemist Rene Gattefosse accidentally plunged his severely burned hand into lavender oil instead of water.  The pain eased and the burn healed quickly.  He later published his research under the title of Aromatherapie and is now recognized as the founder of aromatherapy.
• Queen Victoria insisted that lavender be used in every room … servants were even instructed to use lavender when washing floors.
• Queen Elizabeth I drank lavender tea to control her migraine headaches, enjoyed lavender conserve at the royal table and wore the scent as perfume.
• Lavender has been used as an herb for over 2,500 years.
• The ancient Phoenicians and Egyptians used lavender for perfume and for mummification.
• “Woodsy”, “sweet”, “herbaceous”, “pungent”, “citrus” and “floral” are characteristics that are used to describe lavender.
• Grosso (technically a hybrid of English lavender L. augustifoia) was named after Pierre Grosso who first selected this species.  It is vibrant in both color and aroma and is an excellent choice for cut flowers and highly aromatic essential oil.
• Lavender is native to the Mediterranean and thrives in the hot, dry climate. In fact, it hates wet feet.
• The aromatic lavender flower has natural antiseptic and astringent properties that folk healers recognized centuries ago.
• The scent of lavender does not reduce pain but it does mitigate stress and anxiety … thus it helps to soften the memory of uncomfortable events.
• Set a bowl of lavender in a sunny window … the warmth of the sun will help to draw out the lavender aroma.
• Potpourris are said to not only freshen the air but to “lift the spirit.”

 

The Grosso lavender in full bloom.

Suggestions for use of lavender:

• To treat sunburn and minor cuts and scrapes. The aromatic lavender flower has natural antiseptic and astringent properties that folk healers recognized centuries ago. Applied topically, lavender can soothe and protect sunburned skin and possibly prevent infection in blisters that often accompany more severe sunburns. Lavender hydrosol or cool compresses soaked in strong lavender tea promote healing for sunburns as well as other minor skin problems. 
• To enhance the relaxing effect of a body massage, massage therapists often add a few drops of lavender oil to neutral carrier oil.
• In aromatherapy, lavender essential oil is recommended as a remedy for depressed moods, fatigue, stress, nervous tension, and anxiety. Aromatherapy patients report feeling drowsier, less depressed, and more relaxed.  
• Relax by placing a few drops of lavender oil on a handkerchief or tissue and then sniffing it throughout the day.  
• Relax in a lavender scented and antiseptic bath … simply add a few drops of lavender bath oil or lavender essential oil to your bath.   
• Tuck a lavender sachet under your pillow … it will help you to relax and fall asleep.
• To add shine to your hair, rub a few drops in your hair … it will make your hair smooth and shiny and you’ll smell good too!
• To protect against moths, place bundles of dried lavender – or lavender sachets - in your closet.
• To reduce your stress on your next visit to the dentist, take along a lavender sachet and give it a frequent squeeze while you’re in the chair.
• The strong scent of lavender makes it a most pleasant and natural insect repellent.
• Lavender oil has been used to treat hyperactivity, insomnia, flatulence and gum disease. 
• Lavender tea is used in many parts of Europe for treating appetite loss, stomach upset, and intestinal gas pain. 
• Lavender is edible. In fact it is an essential herb in the traditional French combination known as herbes de Provence.  Mixed with other herbs or used alone, it is an excellent addition to lamb, chicken, seafood, omelets or vegetables.  It also goes well in desserts or drinks, especially those that feature citrus or strawberries. 
• The variety known as “Provence” is milder in aroma and provides a sweeter flavor … making it a wonderful choice for use in cooking.
• Tuck lavender into a wedding bouquet … it sends a message of “best wishes.”
• Celebrate a marriage by throwing lavender instead of rice.

Safety Note:  Please conduct a skin patch test before applying undiluted essential oil to your skin.