Lavender farmers know scent of success

When we think of fields of lavender, scenes from movies shot in France or Italy with little girls running down the rows while mama and papa sit in the shade of an olive tree is often what comes to mind. However, change the tree to a ponderosa pine and you have a scene right here in the Inland Northwest. Lavender fields are sprouting in the region and between now and the early part of August, they will be in full bloom and fragrance. Lavender is a great plant for the Inland Northwest. Our hot, dry summers are perfect for the development of the oils that give lavender its heady, intense scent. Our often rocky or sandy soils provide good drainage during the wet seasons, and winter damage is minimal with the selection of hardy varieties. The Seamans of Otis Orchards in the Spokane Valley should know. Four years ago they started Leisure Lavender Farm to grow aromatic and culinary lavender. “We asked if we could join some friends who were going to a lavender grower’s conference in Sequim, Wash. By the time we got home from that we had a name for the farm and were off,” says Judy Seaman. The first year was a real learning experience for Judy, her husband Ron and their son Greg and his wife Elecia. “We selected the wrong variety of lavender and lost all the plants over the winter,” says Judy. So they started over. This is some of what they learned. Pick the right varieties from the dozens available. The Seamans grow the Grosso variety of hedge lavender (Lavandula x intermedia) for use in their aromatic products and for cutting plants. Grosso happens to be the most widely planted variety by commercial growers in France and Italy because of its long lasting, strong fragrance. In addition to fragrance, the Seamans like it because it is relatively easy to grow, has long stems (called wands) that are easy to cut, the cut stems can hold their fragrance for at least a year and the stems hold together nicely. Grosso’s cold tolerance was tested this last winter in the Seamans’ plantings and came through with only a little die back. “We pruned out the dead stuff and it took right off again,” said Ron. Other varieties that do well in our area include the English varieties, ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead.’ Culinary lavenders have a sweet taste and are used to flavor candy, jellies and baked goods and as a garnish for salads and a meat rub. “Any recipe that calls for rosemary, can use lavender,” says Judy. “Just use twice as much lavender as rosemary.” Lavender needs soil that holds water but still drains quickly, and little if any fertilizer. If the roots stand in water they will rot very quickly. Rocky soil like that found at the Seamans’ farm on the Spokane Valley floor is perfect. Judy suggests adding some organic material to sandy soil and to find something besides lavender to plant if you have clay. And mulch plantings with gravel or sand rather than organic material like bark. It takes two years for a plant to begin to approach full size. Lavender is ready to harvest when the flowers are just beginning to open. For use in sachets, potpourris and dried flowers, place it in a cool shady place until dry, about two weeks. Culinary lavenders can be used fresh or dried. Immediately after harvest, the Seamans cut back their plants by two thirds. “This keeps the plants from becoming woody and keeps them easy to harvest,” says Ron. The Seamans plant only propagated plants as seedlings which do not always come true to the parent. Leisure Lavender Farm is located at 3529 N. Lynden Road in Otis Orchards. The farm will be open for picking on Fridays through Sundays on July 16-18, July 23-25 and July 30-August 1. Bring pruning shears if you have them to cut lavender. The Seamans will have some pre-picked lavender available and their gift shop will feature their handmade lavender products. More information is available at www.leisurelavender.com The lavender harvest is also being celebrated for the first time in Pend Oreille County as one of several events during Festival Weekend, Saturday and Sunday. The First Annual Lavender Festival will take place at LeClerc Creek Lavenders located 13 miles north of the Usk Bridge off LeClerc Road in Pend Oreille County. The 100-year-old homestead is owned by Jerry and Wendy Kapelke who have been growing lavender for commercial use for the past seven years. Besides fresh lavender cutting, there will be a juried art and products sale, music by members of the Spokane Symphony, classes to learn how to make lavender-related products and lots of children’s activities. Entry fee for the Lavender Festival is $5. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Information on the garden tours is available at 447-2401 or at festival@lavendercreek.net.