Lavender at the Salt Lake Farmer's Market.

Last week at the SLC Farmer's Market we were on the East side of the park.  Next week we will be back in our old spot on the South side of the park.  We had "Lavender Babies" for sale.  Everyone asked what the "Hidcote" looks like.  I told them to go to the North side of the park and look down the median. 

For those that did....

....this is what they saw.  

In the median there is a mixture of Spanish Lavender (left side) and English Lavender (right side) in FULL bloom.

I am not sure what varieties they are, but by the leaves and how they were growing I could tell one was an English Lavender and the other was a Spanish Lavender.  Spanish Lavender can always be identified by the "flag" that comes out the top of the pineapple shaped blossom.   

This is proof how much heat and sun lavender can take.  The heat from the road plus the full sun all day long show how drought tolerant they really can be. 

If you start looking, you will see lavender everywhere..through rose colored glasses.  

Lavender Ice Cream - Taste Test - Ogden Botanical Gardens

If you were at the Botanical Gardens last Thursday, then you most likely saw some wonderful art work, listened to some live music and learned some culinary tricks from the cooking demonstration.

 Some of the artist were actually painting during the show. 

We have been working with Trudy's Poppin Johnny Ice Cream
creating a new ice cream. 

We're calling it, "Lavender White Chocolate Chip".

~And today was the day to give it a taste test~ 

Two scoops of delicious, all natural, lavender, chocolate chips and pure cream.  This is my ice cream cone in front of a little lavender bush that is about ready to bloom.

A close up.  You can see the little flecks of ground up lavender.

One lady said that this ice cream was,

"The most beautiful thing ever". 

If you want a taste you can look for Trudy scooping Lavender White Chocolate Chip and Me serving Lavender Lemonade on June 30th at the

 Ogden Nature Center during their first Outdoor Concert.

Your taste buds will love you!

Ogden Nature Center - June 30th

Who wants to go to an out door concert and to eat Lavender Ice Cream?  I Do, I Do!

I have lived in the area for 6 years now and I have never been to the
Ogden Nature Center...til yesterday.  

Photo from: ogdennaturecenter.org

We are coordinating with Trudy and the Nature Center's first out door concert to sell our Lavender White Chocolate Chip Ice Cream again.  

 June 30th
6:00 pm set up blankets

  7:00 pm concert starts
Fee: $17 per adult.

So, to get there...Click HERE for a map.  
Once you park, I suggest walking the Bird House Trail to the gift shop.  You will get to see some of the cutest bird house creations from all ages. 

 There are trails and wetlands to walk and bird watch from. 

 And then you are there.

Matt Flinner Trio is going to be playing.  Gates open at 6:00pm so you can set up your chair or blanket. Bring a picnic dinner. 

Concert starts at 7:00.  Trudy and I will be ready at 6:00pm to serve Lavender Lemonade and Lavender White Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.   

Here is the information on the concert: CLICKHERE


And I know that we have double booked ourselves for this date..but this is the plan for those who want to go to both events.  Willard Bay Garden's Lavender Hill Evening is from 5-7.  Arrive at 5:00pm, learn about planting lavender, eat a pre-dinner snack and then head over to the Ogden Nature Center by 6:30pm.  Set up your picnic blanket, concert starts at 7:00, eat your picnic dinner and have lavender ice cream for dessert.

Recognizing Lavender

There are a lot of things in bloom right now that people think are lavender.  Here are a couple that are causing the confusion.

 Saliva  - not lavender.

Cat mint - not lavender.
This one even has an "herb like" aroma that adds to the confusion.

Another "look - a - like" is called Russian Sage, its not in bloom right now, so I couldn't get a picture.


Photo from Better Homes and Gardens.

Click here to read about this sun loving plant.

 http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/perennial/russian-sage/

And to prevent any confusion, you can stake your lavender with an identification tag.

 We sell this one at the Farmer's Market.  $7.00.

Ice Cream - LAVENDER - Ice Cream

For about a year now we have been talking about a Lavender Ice Cream.  Well, its now time to introduce...

Lavender Hill and Trudy's Poppin' Johnny Ice Cream have teamed up in the creation of this wonderful dessert.

Last week I went down to watch Trudy run her tractor and make this ice cream.  

 You all may have seen it with out knowing that this tractor makes Ice Cream!

 Buckets attached to the back.

 Trudy starts the engine...

 flips the switch...

 and the tractor churns and mixes the ingredients. 

When it was almost done we added these.

 White chocolate chips.  They are a little frozen surprise while you are eating the ice cream. Trudy also serves huge sandwiches, chili, drinks, Buffalo Burgers..and much more.  

To see her menu click HERE

Sneak peek (a little blurry).  Is your mouth salivating?   It should be, because this ice cream is delicious. 

Purple things at Lavender Hill

Just because the lavender is behind and not blooming doesn't mean there are not PURPLE things in our garden.

 This little honey bee is sitting on a PURPLE chive blossom.

 PURPLE creeping phlox amongst the rocks.

 I think this is a PURPLE saliva of some sort, I will have to ask my Mom.

 More PURPLE between the rocks.

 It is to bad they don't bloom all year round.

 PURPLE lilac.  All of the blossoms are trimmed in white. They smell wonderful.

 PURPLE thyme blossoms blooming between the steps by the hammock.

 PURPLE pots.  We gather up and recycle PURPLE pots from the nursery so that when we are potting up our "Lavender Babies" they will feel right at home.

  And when you are all done looking at PURPLE things,

... you can look at GREEN and BLUE things.  The sun has been out and the plants are loving it. 

Lavender Garden Party - Heath Tips

Here are a couple of pictures I took at our last
 "Lavender Hill Garden Party".

 Lucky for us the weather was nice and didn't rain.  We sat up in the most adorable back yard.  There were flowers blooming everywhere.

 I loved the poppies.

 She even had potted lavender.  This is a Spanish Lavender.  You can tell by the "flag" that is coming out the top.  The tag in the post said "Fat French Lavender".....not so.  Be careful when you are buying lavender.  There are only a few garden nurseries that tag their lavender with the correct names.
(Willard Bay Gardens being one of them)

 Our display.   

I mostly talked about the heath benefits of lavender.  I told how each of our products could be used to help with dry skin, eczema, headaches and sore muscles.

The group was great. 

Here is the information that I put in the handout.  The information is from: http://www.organicfacts.net/

* Skin Care: The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is added to chamomile to treat eczema.

* Blood Circulation: Lavender essential oil is also good for improving blood circulation in the body. It also lowers blood pressure and is used for hypertension.

* Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains and backache. A regular massage with lavender oil provides relief from pain in the joints.

* Immunity: Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to diseases.

* Hair Care: Lavender essential oil is useful for the hair care as it can be very effective on lice and lice eggs or nits.

 

* Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves. Therefore, it helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.

* Digestion: Lavender oil is useful for digestion as it increases the mobility of the intestine. The oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile and thus aids in treating indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhea.

* Sleep: Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia.

 

* Respiratory Disorders: Lavender oil is extensively used for various respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapor or applied on the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.

It is also effective against insect bites. The oil is also used to repel mosquitoes and moths. You will find many mosquito repellents containing lavender oil as one of the ingredients.

As with many other essential oils, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil. It is also recommended that diabetics stay away from lavender oil. It may also cause allergic reactions to people having sensitive skin. Some people may also witness nausea, vomiting and headaches due to usage of lavender oil.

Salt Lake City Farmer's Market

 ~ We're Back ~

 Salt Lake City Farmer's Market is in FULL swing.  For more information on the market click HERE.  Sometimes our spot changes, I will post on FACEBOOK each week what side of the park we will be on.

 The newest addition to our display, a cute little Lavender Fairy.She has flown in with the warmer weather.

Our Lavender Massage Oil was a hit last week.  So much that we sold out and I won't have more made up til the 29th. I am waiting on UPS to bring me more empty bottles. Next time though!

I have one cream washcloth/soap gift set left.  They are a perfect some-little-something for that special someone.  The washcloth is thick and soft, I use mine on my face.