My first recollection of lavender comes from a country fair where “Old English Lavender” was on offer.
A recognizable scent lingered in the air.
Small basket-like sachets were to be placed in dresser drawers and closets to give clothes a “clean” scent. Also, they were hung on bedposts for a relaxing soothing sleep. Those ideas were customary to the times.
In reality, lavender has an extensive history.
In ancient Egypt, lavender was found in the tomb and sarcophagus of Tutankhamen. During mummification, the King’s body was wrapped in lavender-dipped shrouds.
In Greece, it was used to cure insomnia and insanity.
During Roman times, the herb scented the water in public baths. Lavender was also used as a perfume, flavouring and insect repellent.
In medieval Europe, it was spread over castle floors to deodorize and sanitize them. It was considered a valuable medicine especially during the Great Plague of the 17th century.
The English word lavender is derived from Old French lavandre, and Latin, lavare (to wash), referring to the use of the plant.
Lavender (lavandula) is a member of 39 flowering plants in the mint (lamiaceae) family. It’s native to southern Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean, Asia and India.
Many members of the group are extensively grown as ornamental plants, garden herbs or for the extraction of essential oils.
The group includes annuals and herbaceous perennials.
Generally, flowers are violet, lavender, lilac or blue but occasionally blackish purple or yellow can be found. It should be noted that the hue lavender got its namesake from the plant.
Similar to other large root perennials, it’s not easily transplanted.
Gardeners wishing to grow lavender should consider two important points when choosing a location for the plant.
It does not perform well with wet feet. Do not choose a location where water will accumulate.
Lavender requires full sun, although, a minimal amount of shade is tolerable.
At a meeting of the Fergus Horticultural Society, members were introduced to essential oil plants grown at the Flowers to Fragrance Lavender Farm. The farm is on Highway 89 between Harriston and Mount Forest.
In a slide presentation, Nick Morris focused on the facets of his parent’s farming practices.
In the 1990s, Shirley and Aubrey Morris were grain farming in Manitoba. After many disappointments, they began to consider diversification.
After much consultation and research, the family decided to venture into essential oils.
Essential oils are extracted from aromatic plants. The captured concentrated oils have a variety of therapeutic, medicinal and culinary uses.
Originally, Morris acquired half an acre of hybrid monarda propagated cuttings from the Morden Research Facility.
Also known as wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa ), it is an extremely fragrant, perennial herb that grows up to 1m in height.
Monarda is included in the mint family group in which lavender is part. Flowers range from pink to purple.
Deciding to move to Ontario, Morris settled near Fergus. He decided to expand his farm’s plant varieties which included four varieties of lavender.
In 2006, Morris decided to further expand the farm’s operation by purchasing an essential oil distillation unit.
Briefly, the distillation apparatus uses water to create steam which releases the essential oils.
As the water boils, steam passes through plant material, vapourizing the volatile compounds. Then vapours flow through a tube, where they condense back to liquid, which is then collected.
There are approximately 700 varieties of essential oil plants.
The farm sells a variety of essential oil products. Soaps, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, deodorants, moisturizers and specific essential oils and hydrosol.
Gardeners who wish to harvest lavender or other aromatic plants should do so before the flowers open.
They will stay tightly closed and fragrant for many months. Take advantage of lavender’s long lasting scent, by cutting the entire stem and flower.
In lavender, the essential oil is found in the flowering buds.
As with other scented flowers, the fresher the blossom the stronger the fragrance will be.
Unlike simulated or artificial varieties, quality fragrances, flavourings, incense, cosmetics and health and beauty products all use essential oils.
Presently, the Morris farm has 20 acres of 10 different types of lavender plus monarda, hyssop, lemon balm, chamomile, marigold, calendula and orange mint.
The blooming fields are visually outstanding with an unforgettable aromatic experience.
Ron Stevenson is a member of the Fergus Horticultural Society.
