What do horses have to do with lavender?
Horses have been a big part of my life since I was a teenager and I'm fortunate to have had lovely pure and partbred Arabian horses in my life. In 1993 a friend introduced me to essential oils and in particular lavender oil. The first place I used the oil was on my horses. Any minor cuts healed quickly and scar free! Anytime I could treat anything minor with essential oils, I did.
This is Statice and my dear friend Nicole. The year this photo was taken they were US Reserve National Champion Part Arabian Jumper. I owned Statice's mother and father.
This is Statice's father, Static. He was the first purebred Arabian I owned, was a very successful show horse, and was trained to Grand Prix Dressage. He passed away in August 2008 at 30 years of age.
In 1994 I started a business called Cottage Scents, selling potpourris, scented and essential oils. A few years later, I visited Norfolk Lavender and Jersey Island Lavender and was hooked on this amazing plant.
I love gardening and am active in two local horticulture societies (I'm the Past President of one) and also have a BSc in Agriculture. I was soon giving talks at herb fairs and garden shows about how to grow lavender in your garden and enjoy the flowers in your home.
The message I received from people was very clear
- we are really busy in our lives, so make it simple!
Although books were available on lavender, they were not always easy to get here in Southern Ontario. I began growing every lavender I could find and collected information to write my own guide and "Growing Lavender, a Guide for Cooler Climates" was born. If you would like a copy, click on the "Lavender Book Link" at the top of this page. The website was added to give more up to date information on new varieties and herb festivals around the country.
Thank you for visiting and come again soon.
Christine