Lavender in the Village

For more information visit the Lavender in the Village Website:

http://www.lavenderinthevillage.com/index.php

Schedue of Events:

http://www.lavenderinthevillage.com/events.php

http://www.lavenderinthevillage.com/schedule.php

Map:

http://www.lavenderinthevillage.com/mapDirections.php

Why lavender? This is a question we are often asked.

The North Valley boasts a rich, several-hundred years-old agricultural tradition. Several years ago, when the village did a survey of the residents, residents responded that they would like to keep their fields in production, but they were no longer able to do the work themselves. In order to revive and redefine agriculture in the village, from agriculture with a large "A" to agriculture with a small "a" due to scale issues, the Agriculture Committee of the Village contacted other towns that have had success with lavender as a specialty crop.  In early Spring 2000, efforts were initiated in developing the crop in the valley by installing three test areas.

To promote the awareness of lavender, Lavender in the Village was formed as part of the Village's Agriculture Committee. For the last four years, Lavender in the Village, with the help of many volunteers and sponsors, has offered various lectures and special events.

Lavender is the best known of the fragrant herbs. Lavender is a perennial plant with narrow gray green leaves and long spikes with purple, white or pink flowers.

It is one of the most versatile herbs because its fragrant stems, leaves and flowers can all be used fresh or dried. It is distinctive for its scent and taste. It is used in perfumes, oils, sachets, soaps, candles, wreaths, diffusers, bouquets, and many other things around the home like shampoos, aromatic vinegars, and cooking. It is known as a moth deterrent. The medicinal uses of lavender are well documented to relieve hyperactivity and insomnia. Lavender is drought, fire, and deer resistant, and it attracts bees and butterflies. The lavender name comes from the Latin "lavare," to wash, indicating its use both in baths and for clothes. Our word laundress comes from "lavandre."

Lavender has a rich 2,500-year history and a rich history in New Mexico . Alhucema, the Spanish name for lavender, was used as a tea for stomach aches, especially for babies with colic.

As a plant in New Mexico , lavender is one of the original xeriscape perennials. It doesn't need a lot of water once it's established; it can take the heat and direct sun; it doesn't need a lot of attention and you can generally plant it on any side of your property.

Lavender in the Village will be a joint effort between Los Poblanos Inn, Casa Rondeña Winery, the Growers' Market, the Los Ranchos Chamber of Commerce, and the Village.  For more information, contact Penny Rembe at 344-6336 or visit the website:  www.lavenderinthevillage.com.