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Spritzing Up Your RV with Lavender

| Updated Mar 29, 2015

Lavender. Just the word brings olfactory recall, doesn't it?  Such a pleasant smell, such a pleasant flower. While we were RVing in the Pacific Northwest last summer, I saw a notice in a local publication about a lavender farm that invited visitors. I had the GPS programmed before Mike could say, “where are we headed today?”

The Tumalo Lavender Farm is located just outside of Bend, Ore. and is a 10-acre garden filled with the sweet fragrance of 10,000 mature plants, all grown organically, pollinated by some very busy bees. It is a labor of love for Gordon and Judy Knight, who – a decade ago – left professional careers in the travel industry to follow their heart’s desire to be surrounded by beautiful and practical lavender.

Here's a video of our tour:

Gordon, accompanied by Jazzmine, their Golden Retreiver and the official greeter at the farm, took time from his cuttings and planting and gave us a tour of the farm. Before deciding to become Lavender farmers, they spent three years researching, investigating, and reading extensively about lavender. Their quest took them to Lavender farms throughout the Northwest. They became knowledgeable in growing, processing and working with lavender. They found the right varieties that would adapt and survive in the climate of Central Oregon.lavender2-1

Tumelo Lavender now ships its plants and the many products made from them across the nation through direct order from nurseries and over the Internet through its website. I was amazed at the many ways Lavender can be used. Lavender is not only beautiful and sensory, but a practical choice for a  garden.I bought two potted plants to take home.
Lavender is easy to grow and has a reputation for being notoriously non-palatable to deer. It is also considered a drought-tolerant plant and Gordon assured me it will thrive in our Michigan climate.

 

Pleasant scents can put you in a peaceful state of mind. Lavender has been associated with cleanliness since Romans first added it to their bathwater. In fact, the name comes from the Latin lavandus, meaning to wash. Essential oil of lavender is now known to have many application in aromatherapy.  Lavender was traditionally inhaled to ease exhaustion, insomnia, irritability, and depression. In ancient times, it was used as a medicine. Gordon told us that a local hospital in Bend buys his plants and uses them to cam surgery patients before they are administered anesthetic.

Lavender is a favorite for scenting clothing and closets, soaps, and even furniture polish.

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The calming, fresh, unique fragrance of lavender is available in potpourris, buds, oils, handmade soap, lotions, lip balm, and hydro-mists and wreaths.

While Mike was shooting video, I did some shopping. The smell of lavender will be a welcome addition to our RV.
I bought a lot of lavender, for gifts and for our motorhome. We’ve been on the road a long time this season and the lavender will do wonders.

Jennifer Wendland

Published on 2015-03-29

Jennifer Wendland travels North America with husband, Mike, in a small Motorhome. She has worked with Mike as a television producer and traveled extensively all over the world. She is a self-described "gym rat," enjoying fitness and exercise wherever she goes. She is a certified Water Aerobics instructor and has taught large group classes in leading health clubs for more than 20 years. She and Mike have three grown children and seven grandchildren. They travel about two weeks out of every month. When not on the road, they live in southeastern Michigan.

4 Responses to “Spritzing Up Your RV with Lavender”

August 21, 2014at9:33 pm, MostlySue But Raytoo said:

I’m so jealous! I LOVE LAVENDER! I made some sachet’s and put them in the camper where we put our clothes.

August 21, 2014at5:41 pm, Janet said:

There is a lavender farm about 40 minutes from here. I love to wander the fields when all the different types of lavender are in bloom. Nothing smells better.

August 21, 2014at3:16 pm, Barbara K said:

A friend and I were on Maui in April. We also visited a lavender farm there and it was one of the highlights of our trip. We still talk about the lavender flavored coffee and scones!!!

August 21, 2014at2:59 pm, Pat Mesic said:

You forgot to mention that lavender is also used in tea, baking and cooking.

Comments are closed.

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