The 4th annual Lavender Festival begins today, July 21, 2006, in Romeo (where for art thou, Romeo?) and runs through tomorrow. Doors open at 10 a.m. and admission is $3 for one day or $5 for a two day pass. Children 12 and under are free.
For those unfamiliar with lavender, it is supposed to have a calming effect. You can dry some and hang it in you child's bedroom (my wife actually did this) or even add it to pillows. This idea sounds gross, but apparently lavender can be made into a sort of tea by adding three flower heads to a cup of boiling water for a soothing nightcap.
For the youngsters, you can dilute one part lavender oil with 10 parts water, rosewater, or witch hazel for the treatment of acne. Here is one that should have a big market in Michigan - lavender can be made into a natural insect and bug repellent. Keep away those mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, and other nuisance pests with this natural bug repellent. The website says that this was tested in the deep woods of Michigan and coastal areas of Florida.
Jennifer Vasich is the owner of Gabriel's Garden her store in Romeo and also www.allthingslavender.com on the web. She (and her home) are also the host of the 4th annual Lavender Festival. There will be various classes and 40 exhibitors selling everything from soaps to syrups. Go to the website for more information here www.michlavenderfestival.com.
Read more about lavender and Jennifer Vasich and her store at the Detroit Free Press.