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Events:
March 13 - Aromatherapy 101
The basics of essential oils and their benefits. 2-4 p.m. @ Oasis Botanica. Space is limited.

March 18 - The Joy of Aromatherapy
Enjoy a distillation demo and learn the basics of essential oils, hydrosols and their benefits. 6:30-8:30 p.m. @ Dayspring Farm.
March 25 - Hydrosols, Waters that Heal
Sample and learn about hydrosols gentle, but powerful qualities. 6:30-8:30 p.m. @ Dayspring Farm.

March 27 - Natural Menopause Management
Learn how to balance this transition naturally. 2-4 p.m. @ Oasis Botanica. Ladies Only

April 1 - The Super Seven

Learn about the 7 essential oils you should always have on hand. 6:30-8:30 p.m. @ Dayspring Farm.

April 8 - Healing Oils of the Bible

6:30-8:30 p.m. @ Daysping Farm.

April 10 - Kitchen Cosmetics

Learn to make your own personal care product. 1-5 p.m. @ Oasis Botanica.

April 17 - LAWC Membership Meeting
at Meadowlark Gardens @ 10 a.m. See Map here.

April 29 - Let's Grow Lavender in Western CO!

Catch the Lavender bug and learn which varieties will best fit your needs and lavender care tips. 6:30-8:30 p.m. @ Dayspring Farm.

May 1 - Aromatherapy 101
The basics of essential oils and their benefits. 2-4 p.m. @ Oasis Botanica. Space is limited.

May 15 - Herbs for Health 101

Learn how herbs can benefit your body. 2-4 p.m. @ Oasis Botanica.

May 22 - "Feasibility of Alternative Enterprises in Agriculture" Speaker Rod Sharp. Join us at 10 a.m. at the Mesa County Fairground's Sagebrush Room. (Next to the Community Building)

May 29 - Natural Perfumery and Essential Oil Blending. Learn how to blend your own harmonious essential oils. 1-5 p.m. @ Oasis Botanica
September 11 - Agritourism Workshop
9-4 at the Mesa County Fairgrounds Community Building. More details to come.
December 4 - 2nd Annual Christmas Craft Fair. At the Mesa County Fairgrounds Community Building. More deatails to come.

News:

Spring Lavender Orders - Place your lavender order by April 17th. All orders will be ready for pickup April 30th.
Winter Watering - Don't forget to water your lavender this winter.
No February or March LAWC Meetings.

Become A Member
- Support the growth of lavender by becoming a member today!

The LAWC shoots for the 1st Western Colorado Lavender Festival in the Summer of 2011!

Contact us to receive more information.

 

The Basics of Growing Lavender in Western Colorado

Lavender bushLavender’s versatility has made it a must have plant for households across the world.  Today, we value lavender for its many uses including aromatherapy, culinary and medicinal purposes, and adding unsurpassed beauty and fragrance to our gardens.  Lavender buds and flowers are made into potpourri, spice mixtures, fresh bundles and wreaths.  Essential oils and hydrosols are used in lotions, perfumes, soaps and candles.

DOWNLOAD THE CSU EXTENSION FACT SHEET - GROWING LAVENDER IN COLORADO  

There are two types of lavenders that grow well in Western Colorado:  Lavandula angustifolia or English lavender and Lavindins (a. hybrid of L. angustifolia and L. latifolia.) These lavenders are readily available in garden centers and mail order catalogs.

English Varieties L. angustifolia  
Zone: 5
Size: 2’x2’
Bloom: First bloom – mid June
              Second bloom - September
Best Uses:
High quality essential oils (best for therapeutic)
Crafting/Bundles
Landscaping
Most Common angustifolias:
Royal Velvet – dark purple flowers
Munstead – medium purple flowers
Hidcote – dark blue-purple flowers
Rosea or Jean Davis – light pink flowers

Hybrid Varieties – L. intermedia       
Zone: 5
Size: 3’x3’ mounds
Bloom: July (blooms only once and produce sterile seeds)
Best Uses:
High yield essential oils (best for lotions)
Landscaping
Crafting/Bundles
Most Common Lavandin:
Grosso – medium to dark purple flowers
Grosso Alba – white flowers
Provence – light to medium flowers, said to have the best fragrance


Lavender Growing Tips:

Lightly fertilize once a year.
Keep the base of the lavender stalk clear of debris that can hold moisture. This will prevent root rot.
Plant in full sun.
Water consistently until established. After lavender is established, it is a semi-drought tolerant plant
Cut back stems and 1/3 of the bushy part after blooming (usually in July) to prevent woody plants.

Click here to learn more about lavender.


Thanks
  CSU Extention