Lavender in my garden

A couple of years ago we drove 4 hours up north for a lavender festival to see those beautiful purple fields. While people from cooler areas might not see it as a big deal, for us in the low desert with hot and dry summers it is very special. I bought a little potted plant of lavender as a souvenir and planted it in my garden later with not much hope for it to survive.

Surprisingly, the lavender bush is thriving and happy! I am still learning how to care for this but I was so happy to gather some flower stems.

The plant is blooming in a weird time (September through February) and giving just 2-3 stems per week but its alive and it makes me happy :)

A day at the lavender farm

Last week I was so excited to hear about lavender festival here in AZ. The summers are so hot that I would never think it could grow here. The lavender fields in WA state were beautiful so I wanted to see it again.

 

The Red Rock Lavender farm is located in Concho, AZ. The 4 hours drive towards Show Low is not particularly easy because of distance but we drove through beautiful pine forest and meadows scenery and enjoyed it.

We got there in the afternoon and were just in time for a painting demo presentation by watercolor artist Catherine Sickafoose. What beautiful paintings!

Lavender blooms were beautiful and fragrant there on the field.

I cut a small bouquet, took some photos and was very happy with my day.

I bought a small lavender plant to plant at home hoping that it might survive the heat. So it was quietly resting in our cup holder on a way back  home. This whole plant is so fragrant, it filled our car with a lovely aroma.

A great souvenir to bring back home !

Lavender lemon bath salt

It is the middle of the hot summer and we are not getting any relief from the heat. So we mostly stay indoors and try to treat ourselves with whatever will make us feel better.

I found it very pleasing to have a lukewarm bath and soak my feet. I mix the salt for the bath myself and it is very aromatic and soothing. So I'd like to share the recipe with you. If you pack it nicely it can be also very good gift for a friend.

In a large bowl combine 1 cup of Epsom salt, 1 table spoon of dried lavender bath and 3 drops of lemon essential oil. Mix it thoroughly and transfer to a pretty, air tight glass jar. Label and decorate as desired.

To use, simply add it to your warm bath water. Enjoy!

Lavender summer

I felt under stress recently. There is something important  going on and I am worrying. So no cooking, no knitting, no stitching, no meetings with friends. I am just sitting in front of TV watching movies and counting hours until H hour.

I put a jar of lavender buds on my desk and it makes me feel better. I wish I could spend the day at the lavender farms but I can't. Instead I made this treasury is for you.

 The Russian Artists and MCTT team members works are featured along with the other great artists and crafters. Please enjoy!

Sweet lavender cross stitch pattern

At this time of year I am always missing the feel of being among the endless lavender field. Just like it was during our summers on the Pacific Northwest coast of WA state.

I made this design some time ago and finally gave it a printable look.

The idea for it is based on my original watercolor.

So if you'd like to use this design for your lavender sachets or small ornaments please take a look at my listing at the AGardencottage on Etsy.

Purple mood today - new treasury on Etsy

Just made my new treasury on Etsy today where All Things Purple!

Please visit :)

Winter Lavender

I had wonderful creative morning today.

I woke up at 3 AM and had plenty of time for my morning ritual: drinking coffee, talking to my husband and reading the news.

The early mornings are still cold here and suddenly I was missing summer so much! So I grabbed my linens, threads & needle and started to stitch - just a small design I've created last spring. And the smell of lavender brought back the memories of a lavender field I've visited some time ago... :)