Maybe It's Love at First Sight
Step into a world where beauty meets utility, and fragrance whispers tales of ancient times. Its iconic purple hues and intoxicating aroma have charmed humanity for millennia, gracing gardens, inspiring creations, and soothing our souls. This week, The Weekly Whorl is absolutely captivated by lavender; not only is it a bloom that transcends mere aesthetics, but one that stands for love at first sight and inclusivity, perfect to kick off Pride Month!
Lavender Through the Ages: A Rich History
Did you know that its name comes from the Latin word “lavare”, meaning “to wash”? It was used in ancient Roman baths for its cleansing and aromatic properties, in ancient Egypt in embalming and perfumes, and in ancient Greece for its medicinal benefits. Today, lavender still has a universal appeal due to its beautiful flowers, fragrant scent and calming effects.
Cultivating Calm: Lavender in Your Creations
Lavender is a great addition to any floral design, aromatherapy, culinary dish, or use it as a natural pest repellant. Fresh or dried lavender adds unique texture and beautiful scent to any arrangement. It pairs well with roses, eucalyptus and protea and small sprigs can add lovely accents to boutonnieres or bridal crowns.
The powerful calming effects of lavender make it ideal in crafting essential oils, linen sprays, candles, bath salts and eye pillows. Using lavender in a diffuser can transform any space into a tranquil haven.
Don’t limit lavender to décor! use English lavender for its sweet delicate flavor and experiment by infusing it into syrups, baked goods or savory rubs for meats. Remember, a little goes a long way!
Many florists and gardeners have long known that lavender helps deter unwanted guests like mosquitos, deer and moths. Use dried or plant it strategically in your outdoor spaces
Tips For Growing and Using:
In the garden, lavender thrives on neglect! It loves full sun and well-drained soil, disliking too much moisture. Once established leave it be, just give it a haircut to keep its form and promote new flowers.
In the shop, harvest fresh lavender in the morning after the dew has dried, hang small bunches upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area to dry. This helps preserve color and fragrance beautifully.
Did You Know?
Lavender was Queen Victoria's favorite, she had her furniture cleaned in lavender-based polish, and she drank lavender-infused tea for digestion
There are around 47 different species of lavender with numerous varieties. Famous for its purple hues, it also can be found in shades of pink, white and yellow.
Lavender flowers traditionally symbolize purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace and calmness. It is also associated with royalty, elegance and luxury.
The color lavender has been connected to LGBTQ+ as a powerful testament to the community's ability to transform symbols of oppression into emblems of pride and collective strength. It is seen as a symbol for inclusivity as it blends the masculine blue and feminine pink together.