Doing Good Work with Lavender-Blueberry Ice Cream

I know.  I know!  It seems as though I have nothing but lavender ice cream on the brain lately.  I just can't seem to help myself in these last dew "Dog Days" of summer where the humidity clings to me like a wet suit and the heat makes hot flashes look like child's play.  Even the dog is no where to be found in the house as I call for him to come outside with me.  After 5 minutes of searching, I find him sleeping on the floor air vent in the guest bathroom where it is now at least 10 degrees warmer than the rest of the house because he is absorbing all of the cool air. So, I must venture outside on my own to check on things and do some sticky, nasty daytime chores while dreaming about cool, refreshing lavender ice cream.

This year, I found a lovely recipe for lavender-blueberry ice cream that hits the spot, just like a cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade in the shade, only sweeter, smoother and, obviously, purple-er.  I have been making and serving lavender-blueberry ice cream, all summer long, to groups and guests visiting the farmlet and, although it takes about 2 hours to make a single quart, the effort is surely worth it, especially when you feel  your body temperature drop a degree or two as you savor it's creamy goodness.

The homemade ice cream side of the social (that's me in the center) gearing up just before the doors of the firehouse open to the public.

Loudoun County Fire Department Rescue Helicopter Crew demonstrating a little of what they do for our community.  They told us it had been a busy day and had already helped in four emergencies since the morning.

Good dog, sparky!

Last week, I participated in the Philomont Ladies Auxiliary 2nd Annual Ice Cream Social that benefits the Philomont Volunteer Fire Department, by serving up my lavender-blueberry ice cream along with a few other ladies who made their own specialties like peach-maple ice cream and blackberry sorbet. And, if that wasn't enough excitement, those who came to this community-wide event could also make their own delicious banana-hot fudge sundaes, be treated to luscious flavors of snow cones, get rides on fire trucks, witness the Loudoun County Flight Paramedics land their med-vac helicopter on the lawn of a historic home across from the PVFD, meet Sparky the fire dog, jump around in a huge moon bounce and just sit a spell with neighbors.  Small town living does have it's perks!

Anyway, in my mind, the lavender ice cream I keep serving up seems to me to be the perfect way to cool off on a hot and sunny, end of the summer afternoon.  So, stop by the farmlet and enjoy a scoop while you sit a spell in our gardens. I have plenty in the freezer to share with you so you too can feel that internal four-alarm- summertime-fire start to dissipate a little.

Weathered Elegance(The Store), Serendipity(Luck), Tea and Thee(Us)!

Our new flower cart getting acclimated to her new surroundings.

I meet the nicest people all of the time and, this occasion was no exception.  It all started with a vintage flower cart perched prettily in the corner of a charming Leesburg shop window.  Yep, that's right.  A simple flower cart brought a group of artistic ladies and me together for a lovely afternoon infused with lavender, tea and thee--I mean us! Call it serendipity, karma or just good old-fashioned luck, it was a match made somewhere in the cosmos.

The Weathered Elegance store front.  Image taken from the Weathered Elegance Facebook page.

This is the kind of painting I'm talking about and this one is of Lincoln, VA.

It all started one Sunday afternoon, a couple of weeks ago, when Peter (a.k.a. P.Lorenz) said he needed to go into Leesburg,VA to take some pictures of historic buildings.  He's in the midst of one of his creative painting binges (painting a scene of a town) and this time, it happens to be the town of Leesburg, VA.  and I said I'd go along for the ride. Not wanting to take a lot of time, we split up; while he went his way to photograph a few buildings in order to get them accurately captured on the canvas, I zipped through a couple of shops, then headed to the corner where we had decided would be our rendezvous point.  I turned around only to find Peter standing half-way up the block waving me back to a store that I had just come from. I sighed and headed back and there it was, posing patiently in the window of Weathered Elegance, just waiting for us to come in and bring her home, to Blooming Hill.  Good thing he wasn't in as big of a hurry as he told me he was, or he might have missed it, too.

Donna, Owner of Weathered Elegance, pictured here, on the right.

Weathered Elegance, (I love their slogan--"The art of salvaging gracefully") located on Loudoun Street, is a shop chock full of antiques, creative arts and crafts and shabby chic decor.  Not only that, shop owner Donna, also an event planner, was welcoming and gracious and just couldn't be nicer. We talked a bit and she found out that we serve teas here at Blooming Hill and soon after, we were planning one for Donna and her Weathered Elegance friends, who together supply and apply their creative arts and tasteful decor ideas to the shop, helping Donna make this place a successful and trendy new location in Leesburg that you need to check out, if you haven't already.

Kim, my friend and also the owner of Loudoun Valley Herbs and tea lady extraordinaire, whipped up one of her culinary collages of lavender-infused teatime sweets and savories and, VOILA! The ladies of Weathered Elegance, Loudoun Valley Herbs and Blooming Hill came together, here at the farmlet, for a summer afternoon tea on the porch, all thanks to a simple flower cart.  I told you it was serendipity, an unexpected and charming surprise that was meant to be.

Pretty In Pink--Lavender, That Is!

"I believe in pink. I believe in miracles.  I believe in pink." So says Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in the classic 1960's film, Breakfast at Tiffany's.  Pink--The color of a late summer sunset, bunny rabbits' noses, fairy roses, satin ballet shoes and, pink is the color of lavender, too--at least a dozen different varieties, that I know of (probably more) and, all members of the Lavandula angustifolia family.

The many shades of lavender plant flowers range from whites to dark purples and, in between, shades of creamy, luscious pinks abound among the blues and the grays and they are growing in popularity.  The pink varieties of lavenders I grow here at Blooming Hill are 'Melissa', 'Miss Katherine,' 'Chelsea Pink,' 'Coconut Ice,' 'Jean Davis' and 'Hidcote Pink.'  Last month, I came across one very small, recent cutting of 'Elegance Pink' hidden away in a nursery greenhouse as I was browsing and the owner of the place gifted me one to add to my pink mix so, we will see what that looks like next year.

Sadly, there is a bit of bad news when it comes to pink lavender in that once dried the soft blush of pink they started out with, fades to a nondescript grayish tone.  However there is always a silver lining in that pink lavender bundles perk up with a pink aura immediately when tied with a pink ribbon.  And, there is even better news as all of these "pretty in pinks" possess a fragrance that is sweet and mellow with citrusy top notes, making them very nice culinary varieties, for those who like to cook with lavender. This year, I am separating out pink angustifolia's from the purples and have prepared jars of "Just Pink Lavender" to sell for culinary use.  We harvested about 3 pounds of pink lavender blossoms and, although it doesn't sound like much, believe me, it is quite a bit.

New varieties of lavenders are discovered or developed rather commonly nowadays and pink lavenders are no exception to this rule.  However, who could blame lavender for taking on its very close cousin, pink, with its innocent beauty?  One of my very favorite of pink lavenders is an American cultivar called 'Melissa' (L. angustifolia.)  An early bloomer in my garden, Melissa is a profusion of creamy pink flowers on top of short stems, at her peak bloom time and, to me, the freshly cut bundles could easily be used as bridal bouquets, needing no other flowers or foliage added for adornment.  'Hidcote Pink' is quite similar to 'Melissa' but not quite as prolific.

Another favorite pink lavender is 'Miss Katherine'. Even though she is a fairly new introduction to Blooming Hill (only a couple of years), she is a lovely lady who will never wear out her welcome.  'Miss is Katherine' is a bit more sophisticated looking than other pink lavenders, in my garden, as her stems are longer, and her deeper, mauve-pink color stands out quite vividly against the purples that surround her.  'Miss Katherine' is a long bloomer and her color and fragrance make her a winner among lavenders.

While light pink flowers can convey delicacy, they also exude confidence.

Then, there is 'Chelsea Pink and 'Jean Davis,' also known as 'Rosea,' both beautiful and dainty plants. 'Chelsea Pink' has light pale pink flowers while 'Jean Davis,' an older variety, flounces nice, true-pink flowers, here at Blooming Hill. Both plants have short to medium length stems and are lovely accents that have taken up residence in the cut-flower beds.  Even though they may be smallish plants, not growing more than 18 inches total in height, they are certainly not shy and flaunt their "princess-like pinkness" while peeking through the cosmos, zinnias and geraniums.

Finally, slow grower 'Coconut Ice,' a cultivar introduced to the lavender world from New Zeland back in the late 1990's has been in my garden for seven years now. It came with all sorts of promises of pink and prettiness, which I might add took four years to bloom, here at Blooming Hill and is one of the smallest lavenders that I grow.

'Coconut Ice' sports creamy white and pink blossoms, here in my gardens, and it does not produce a lot of flowers.  Oh---and did I mention that these persnickety girls took four years to bloom while most lavenders will at least bloom very happily in their second year, if not the first year, depending on when you planted them in the growing season?  Yes.  I know I mentioned it already, but I'm still not over that and these darn plants have been part of the lavender beds here for going on 7 years--I know.  I said that, too. Go figure! While it was worth the wait to see 'Coconut Ice' bloom, she seems to be a very sparse plant.

Nothing but pure, pink lavender buds, strained and ready to go.

Did you know that giving pink flowers to someone conveys thoughts of purity, innocence and sweetness?  When you see these pink lavenders in bloom you would be totally convinced and taken in by their wily, feminine ways.  If you have lavender in your garden, make sure you add a pink one to your collection and enjoy all of the perks that come with "pretty in pink!"

Some Snippets of Lavender, Please

Finally, a breather from the hustle and bustle of the last two months harvesting a banner crop of lavender this year, here at Blooming Hill.  Now, with the crop nicely tucked away in the shop, it's time to get down to business and make bath salts, potpourri, sachets, candles, ice cream and whatever else these lovely purple buds can grace with their beauty and fragrance.  While I sit here and think about all of the crafts and things I can create with lavender, the thought also occurred to me that I never really talk specifically about lavender the plant.  

So, I thought I might take a page from my friend, Karen (Spokalulu), who is a serial blogger and make this particular blog entry the first in a series about the different varieties that I grow. Although I'm not promising that I'll talk about all 60+ varieties, in the next 4 or 5 weeks ('cause that might put you  to sleep), I'll go through quite a few of them and I'll start it off today with three of my "top picks" for the 2013 season.  These "picks", so to speak, are varieties that I have here at the farmlet to sell and now, as we are deep into high summer and will soon round the final bend in the road toward early autumn, almost all of these babies have gone home to live with a new family.  Sounds a little like a pound puppy going home to live with it's new rescue family, doesn't it? Well, I can't help it if I get a little emotional when I think about lavender.

Anyway, now that I've re-gathered myself, first, a little classification lesson about lavender.  Think about this as sort of a family tree that keeps branching off into smaller and smaller units.  Lavender is part of the mint family (Lamiaceae) which also includes other herbs like rosemary and thyme, all characterized by their square stem. Lavender is it's own genus, a generic term for a type of plant which, in this case, is called Lavandula.  It is made up of around 40 different species or smaller families like, angustifolia or intermedia.  Within these families there are literally hundreds of varieties or, once again putting it simply, family members like Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso' or Lavandula angustifolia 'Royal Velvet'.   Following me so far?  Hope so, because that is about as complicated as I'm going to get--on the names of the family members, I mean--all of them, however, are model children, I might add.  The kind every parent dreams of.

              So, here goes, the first in a series on different lavenders and not in any particular order...

The first variety is 'Hidcote' one of the most beautiful and popular lavenders out there. It is often used for culinary purposes as well since it's fragrance is citrucy sweet. Sounds like the "can-do-anything" daughter who became the captain of the varsity cheerleading squad--something I never aspired to be, nor was talented enough to even think about achieving.  'Hidcote Blue', now often just called 'Hidcote', is a Lavandula angustifolia, typically referred to as an English lavender in this country, although lavender did not originate in England--surprised you, didn't I?! Petite and pretty 'Hidcote' is sort of the Grande Dame of the lavender world.  The rich, dark purple-blue colored flower heads atop true green foliage have made it a very popular plant since its introduction, way back in the early 1920's, by Hidcote Manor in England, although it was originally propagated in France. Nowadays, since 'Hidcote' has been so popular, it is often propagated from seed, making it not original to the plant so, it can be hard to find the real 'Hidcote'  In order to get an exact copy of it's parent, a lavender must be propagated from by a cutting from the original plant also called cloning.

Next up, another Lavandula angustifolia, called 'Munstead.'  Before there was 'Hidcote' there was her dependable, older sister, 'Munstead', made famous by Gertrude Jekyll, an early 1900's Landscape Designer of West Surrey, England, where she grew lavender on her estate, Munstead Wood.  Another one of those heirloom lavenders that has been so over-propagated by many growers through the years that it is also hard to find real 'Munstead.'  Athough I do have real Munstead in my collection of lavenders and I have propagated it from cuttings in the past, this year, I tried growing it from seed and it is a pretty impostor.  However, 'Munstead grown this way should really be referred to as 'Compacta'. For simplicity's sake, we will stay with the name Munstead and, that's also what the packet of seeds incorrectly called it, too.  It's flowers are a nice purple, not quite as vivid as 'Hidcote.' but dependably hardy with a floppier and messier habit, in the garden.  In my opinion, between the two, 'Hidcote' was the sister who got to wear the dress while 'Munstead' was the sister who stayed home.

Now, let me throw in what is commonly referred to as a "French" lavender from the family (species) of Lavandula x intermedia.  People often say to me, "I only want French lavender."...Sighhhhh. Maybe a little bit of a history lesson about lavender will help you better understand where I am coming from. Lavender's origin probably stems from somewhere in the Middle East as it is sighted in the Bible and it is also documented in Arabic cookbooks as early as the 12th Century.  From there, lavender traveled to Greece and then to islands off of the southern coast of France and then finally to mainland Europe, starting in France, Italy and Spain. Technically, I guess you could say that all lavenders are in some way French.  It just depends on what you really mean.   In the U.S.A Lavandula x intermedia's (sterile hybrids that can only be propagated through cuttings) are often referred to as French and are also called lavendins which is a more accurate term for them.

'Gros Bleu' (Lavandula x intermedia) is one of my absolute favorites having been a resident in my gardens for about five years now.  It's long, graceful stems and almost electric blue flower heads on top of silvery foliage make this variety a real showstopper here at Blooming Hill even though it is not one of the most prolific of bloomers.  It also has a clean lavender scent that is not overpowering but fresh.  'Gros Bleu' is one of the very last lavenders to bloom, when established, extending the lavender season into the last days of July, here in Northern Virginia.  Another little tidbit here--although intermedias, as a group, are not typically thought of as culinary lavenders, this one can be used as its fragrance is not as piney and camphorous as other lavendins.

All done with installment number one!  I hope you found this to be a little informative.  And, yes, I know I was even more long winded than usual, so I'll try to be a little more brief in future episodes. Is there a variety of lavender in your yard that you might be wondering about?  I'm happy to help you learn a little more about it.  Chances are pretty good that it might be one I also have in my collection. Next week, I'll talk about pink lavender varieties.  Stay tuned...

(Note:  My descriptions of lavenders are based purely on my observations of their performance in my own gardens and with the help of a little research, here and there through the years, to boot.  I do not claim to be an expert on lavender, just a gardener who has had a particular interest and love for this plant commonly referred to as lavender for the last 20 years.  I consider the lavenders in my gardens a collection I'm fortunate to have and will continue collecting them through the coming years as long as we have room for them to grace the gardens here at Blooming Hill.)

Lavender Wands--Pieces of July

Evening vespers among the lavender.

Rafters filled with dried lavender bundles.

July is the month to celebrate lavender here at Blooming Hill and, it is also the herb of the month, named by The Herb Society of America.  The harvest is in and although it is just high summer, twilight seems to be already drifting ever-so-quietly over the field and the gleaming sun that coaxed the purple and violet buds out of their tightly wrapped green cloaks, during the month of June, is beginning to set ever-so-slightly in the west as the world spins onward. But, the magic and allure of lavender does not stop with the harvest, oh no.  While life goes on, we can sit back and take stock in a job well done and be thankful for a good season and bountiful crop and maybe wax a little nostalgic, especially when making lavender wands.

The beginning of a lavender wand.

Weaving a wand can be a dizzying experience.

Freshly finished wands.

Victorians were the clever ones who came up with this elegant idea of weaving the frilly fragrant flower heads atop their stately, long stems together with colorful ribbon and fashioned them into a wand, of sorts. Lavender wands, or some may refer to them as lavender bottles, can be big or small, but all can lend their fragrance and calming beauty to sweet dreams on a bedside table, easing a headache, or just perfuming a closet or drawer. When given as a gift, lavender wands can convey the feeling of gentle devotion to another and are often seen gracing wedding party tables. The late 19th and early 20th Century author, Myrtle Reed, wrote, "I've always thought my flowers had souls," in her book, Lavender and Old Lace.  I have come to realize that a lavender wand is a charming expression of it's soul, whimsical yet graceful at the same time.

'Seal' lavender (Lavandula x intermedia).

The crew is happy to be finished and there is never a question as to who gets to ride 'shot gun'.

I still have a few bushes of Seal (Lav. x intermedia) lavender, a long stemmed variety, left purposely uncut so I can make these fairy-like wands and I love the colorful ribbons I use to weave their magic.  I can breathe in the grassy high notes that are intermingled with the citrusy middle and piney bottom notes of lavender all bound together in a simple rainbow of satin.

For a simply elegant experience, just wave your lavender wand and find yourself magically transported back to a summer day in the month of July, any time of the year.

Lavender wands need to be made with freshly cut lavender as the stems should be pliable enough to bend without breaking and for those of us with two left hands and all thumbs, (like me, for instance, since I am left-handed to begin with and could never really master the art of knitting or crochet) weaving lavender wands is a nature-inspired way to create a piece of "Victorian folk art," if that is such a thing, and keep the best pieces of summer close to your heart for several years.

U-Pick Lavender at Blooming Hill

We have had such a great spring that lavender is blooming up all over the place here at Blooming Hill...Hey, maybe that's we call ourselves Blooming Hill!!  U-Pick lavender starts today, June 28 and will go into July Fridays and Saturdays while supply lasts.  We have 'Grosso', 'Provence' and 'Royal Purple' varieties ready for you to pick and ribbon up yourself.  'Provence' and 'Royal Purple' are culinary varieties, as well.  Come and enjoy the beautiful day and pretty gardens and hum along with the bees as they flit from stem to stem.  Just don't grab one of those bees...they really don't care for that!...Trust me, I know from where I speak.

Anyway, make a (or several, whatever you prefer) bouquet by filling up a Ball Jar for $12.00.  Minus the Ball Jar, of course...sorry...they are supplied here to assist you in making your bundle of lavender, approximately 150 stems, the prettiest it can be.  If you don't want to pick that lavender, we have freshly picked bundles all ready to go as well.  Stop by.

The Colors of the Season--What's Trending (Growing) Now

Red Rose and Sun Drop hosiery compliment flow blue high heels.

It's Fashion Week here in the Blooming Hill Gardens.  Come to think of it, every week is fashion week here from early spring to frost.  Okay, okay--it may not be exactly what we all think of when it comes to fashion week but the warmer months, especially June, bring out the season's brights, pastels, prints and textures that rival even the best of the couture designer's ideas.  Perhaps, because designers often rely on Mother Nature for inspiration, especially when it comes to color and style.

African Daisies are never posers!

Although the buzz around Blooming Hill by those in the know, so to speak, is all about the color lavender.  It's the reason for the season, the icing on the cake, the bees knees, (ohhhhh, you know what I mean) and, the Grande Dame is just about to make her appearance here.  So, naturally, there many other flowers who want to take advantage of center stage before her entrance into summer and some even dress in the chosen color, too!  And, why wouldn't they?!  It's the color of royalty, rich and deep and, the crowning glory to my gardens.

 So, the floral stage is set and the lighting is just perfect to highlight the rainbow regatta while the audience here is getting ready for a fantastic flower fashion show to usher in summer. Sit back and enjoy the scenery tinged with lavender and accessorized in puffs of pink, glittery silvers, ruby reds and velvety chartreuse as petals and blooms sashay down the grassy, green carpet....

Pretty striped petunias make a wide-brimmed sun hat.

'Crystal Palace Gem' Garden Geranium wrap the statuary  in style.

Asiatic Lilies flaunt themselves in orange.  What's old is new again.  

Blushing begonias.

Butterfly Weed for only the most discerning of fluttery creatures. 

A zesty and sassy Nasturtium blossom.

Subtle Sea Holly.

 Rose Campion atop silver-fringed stems.

An urn all decked out for the media.

Madame Mandevilla, I presume.

Pale pink 'Melissa' lavender beginning to make her entrance, not wanting to miss a thing and fit for  a bridal bouquet. Oh my!

 Petite Lobelia paisley-shaped petals.

Dahlias for day into evening.

Oakleaf hydrangea for the office.

Guara, great for weekend wear.

 Daylilies and Coreopsis whisper together while peaking through the crowd.

Martha Washington geraniums can always dress up a garden party.

Brilliant, tiny Brachyscome.

Youthful, dewy Sun Drops emerge twirl in their emerald green petticoats!

Uh, oh! Here come the lavender brides, at last!


There is so much more to the floral fashions of summertime-- kissed by the sun, coiffed by raindrops and fluffed by soft breezes highlighting the colors and patterns of what is trending (growing) now at the outdoor showrooms of Blooming Hill. Everyday brings new fashions to the show designed by Mother Nature, herself.  What's debuting in your garden runways?