Lavender Festivities in Colorado

Lavender has its roots in the mountainous areas of the countries bordering the western European part of the Mediterranean region. Lavender use has been documented for over 2500 years. The Egyptians used lavender for mummification and perfume. Romans used lavender oils for cooking, bathing, and as an air fresher. Even the word ‘lavender’ is derived from the Latin verb lavare, which means, “to wash”.  Mediterranean summers are well-known for hot and dry weather, much like our Colorado summers.  As a result of Colorado’s ideal lavender growing environment and the abundant uses of this versatile herb, Colorado is on the forefront of a budding lavender industry.

According to the United States Lavender Growers Association, there are over 45 different lavender species with over 450 varieties. Lavender species and varieties are categorized by their many unique characteristics including: foliage and flower color, foliage and flower shape, plant size, perennial hardiness zone, culinary, and medicinal uses.  The Lavender Association of Colorado was founded 2009, to support our local lavender industry.

Lavender is very easy to grow and with scented foliage and beautiful flowers, lavender is a must have for your perennial garden. Consider placing containers with fresh lavender near the entrances to your home and breathe in this fresh scent of summer every time you walk in or out of your home. As mentioned on the Blogpost Pile: Repel Mosquitoes Naturally with Plants, lavender is considered a mosquito deterrent.

Lavender Festivals are cropping up all over Colorado. The Denver Botanic Gardens Lavender Festival is Saturday, July 20th at the Chatfield Farms location.  This festival includes lavender demonstrations, farm tours, music, and activities for kids.  A fun way to learn more about this historically significant plant with a bright Colorado future!