Summer Diversion: Lavender Immersion
Ahhh, lavender growing in fields and on farms can be intoxicating to the senses. The purple landscape, distinct fragrance and pleasing taste in lavender-laced cookies and lemonade are truly one of summer’s treats.
Ever since we, at SeeCalifornia.com began scouting out California’s lavender fields, festivals and events more than a decade past, our on-location visits got us hooked on lavender’s aesthetic qualities and benefits.
Did you know that lavender oil is a natural product that repels most bugs? Maybe you keep your house spotless but it happens to even the cleanest among us — you wake up one night to something biting your ankle. You don’t know what’s doing it but grabbing your bottle of lavender oil (or spray) and putting a dab on the skin stops the itching and makes the biter go away so you can get back to dreaming.
Lavender can be used as a cleanser, deodorizer, repellent, and even helps with breathing and sleeping better. A lavender sachet placed under a pillow is supposed to help you get a good night’s sleep. It’s worth a try as a natural remedy.
Culinary lavender is great in dressings, desserts, cookies and all sorts of recipes such as Lavender Buttermilk Ranch:
½ C. buttermilk
½ C. mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 Tbsp. chives, minced
1 Tbsp. parsley, minced
1 scallion, sliced thin
¼ tsp. granulated garlic
¼ tsp. celery salt
¼ tsp. onion powder
¼ tsp. culinary lavender
If you’re ready to get your summer immersion, check out the lavender events throughout California!
California Lavender Festivals & Events
- CHERRY VALLEY: Lavender Festival May 23-June 30, 2019
- VALLEY CENTER Keys Creek Lavender Farm Guided Tours June 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 & 29
- FLINN SPRINGS: Lavender Day June 8
- RUMSEY: Cache Creek Lavender Festival June 8-9
- PLACERVILLE: Bluestone Meadow Lavender Festival June 22-23 & 29-30
- OJAI: Lavender Festival June 29
- PASO ROBLES: Lavender Festival July 6
