Did you know you can do so much in your own yard to create a butterfly haven? Bees and butterflies are excellent pollinators, so doing our part to attract and care for them is important. Your butterfly garden doesn't have to be large. In fact, it could just be a few plants or pots.

Kentucky's diverse landscapes provide an ideal canvas for attracting and nurturing these enchanting winged creatures. Here are a few tips to get started:

1. Research Native Species: Before you start planting, familiarize yourself with native butterfly species in Kentucky. Native plants not only support local ecosystems but are also better adapted to the region's climate. Consider including Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower), Golden Alexander, Aster, and Butterfly Weed to attract specific butterfly species like Monarchs and Swallowtails.
2. Choose Butterfly-Friendly Plants: Opt for a variety of plants that provide nectar, food, and shelter for butterflies. Some excellent choices include Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susans, and Liatris. These plants not only add beauty to your garden but also serve as a buffet for butterflies. Zinnias are not native plants, but are still an excellent choice for nectar. 
3. Create a Sunlit Haven: Butterflies thrive in sunny spots, so choose an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Ensure there are also shaded spaces for butterflies to rest and escape the heat during the warmer months.
4. Provide a Water Source: Like all living beings, butterflies need water. Set up a shallow butterfly bath or place damp sand in a sunny spot to create a mud puddle, which butterflies use for essential minerals. You can use a shallow dish for food like over-ripe fruits as well.
5. Include Host Plants: To support the entire life cycle of butterflies, incorporate host plants where they can lay their eggs. For example, Milkweed is a "must have" host plant for Monarchs. Watching caterpillars transform into butterflies adds an extra layer of enchantment to your garden.

We'd love to see your butterfly habitats and, if you're in Kentucky, come see ours! We have a small butterfly house we have filled with native plants and release butterflies into each spring for enjoyment, entertainment, and pollination. The farm is typically open Saturdays in June. 

Lavender Cream Chocolate Truffles

A winner in our book!
Recipe & Pic from Spabettie

Chocolate ganache truffle infused with fragrant lavender - an easy recipe that always has impressive and tasty results!

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces dark chocolate, divided 
• 1/2 cup full fat canned coconut milk 
• 2 1/2 tablespoons culinary lavender, chopped fine (see note) 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Without shaking, open can of coconut milk. Spoon out 1/2 cup of the thick portion at top of can for this recipe.
2. Chop 4 ounces chocolate.
3. In saucepan, bring coconut milk and lavender to a boil, reduce to simmer and stir continually for several minutes. 
4. Remove from heat, strain cream into bowl to remove lavender.  
5. Return infused cream to saucepan over lowest heat. 
6. Add chopped chocolate, whisk until smooth. Remove from heat, cool. 
7. Cover and transfer to refrigerator to thicken (1 hour).
8. Chop remaining 4 ounces chocolate, and melt over lowest heat possible, stirring constantly and rapidly.
9. Spoon a small amount into each mold, and using a small paintbrush, coat the mold completely. Place in refrigerator until set.
10. Fill each mold with lavender ganache filling, leaving room at the top to seal with more chocolate. 
11. Reheat remaining chocolate and fill each mold, covering the filling completely. Tap molds on counter to remove any bubbles, return to refrigerator to set.

NOTES
*While this seems like a large measurement of lavender, (and if you taste the infused coconut cream it is strong), once you add the dark chocolate the result is a subtle hint of lavender flavor.

NUTRITION INFORMATION:
 YIELD:  18 SERVING SIZE:  1 
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 81 TOTAL FAT: 5g SATURATED FAT: 4g TRANS FAT: 0g UNSATURATED FAT: 1g CHOLESTEROL: 0mg SODIUM: 4mg CARBOHYDRATES: 7g FIBER: 1g SUGAR: 6g PROTEIN: 1gnutrition calculations results vary by calculator, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.

https://pin.it/1sO7DtD

In just a few days, we'll be ready to release tickets to our 5th Annual Tea on the Farm event. As I'm reflecting back over the past few years, I wanted to tell you a little about how the event came to be and offer a few thoughts on it.

In 2016, we had the idea to host an event on the farm. Although we were very small at the time (I think we had about 150 lavender plants), we knew that interest was growing in the farm and our products. We had just become licensed for manufacturing the year before and folks were interested in what we were doing. The truth is, we had no idea what we were doing, but we were enjoying it and wanted to share something different with our fellow lavender and farm lovers. 

When I first mentioned the idea of a tea to my business partner and mom, she said, "well, I think it's a great idea, but if we don't get any more than 12 people, we can't afford to host it." She was right. Not only was it going to be a ton of physical work, but we had no chairs, tables, linens, or anything else to host an event. Nevertheless, I was sure we could get at least 12 people to come eat and cut lavender, so we decided to move forward with planning.

Our first step was to approach Expressions Tea and Gifts in Somerset, KY with our idea. They were licensed for catering and specialized in teas, so it was naturally a perfect fit for what we were trying to do. We pitched the idea and they were immediately on board and supportive. We worked together to create a lavender infused menu and get the details worked out.

Next, we promoted the event on social media. The response was overwhelming. We figured we could comfortably borrow enough supplies to seat 50 people and six weeks before the event, we were sold out. We couldn't believe it! Although we were thrilled, the fact that 50 people would now be coming to the farm for a meal was overwhelming. Where would they park? What about bathrooms? What if someone fell? Eek! So much we didn't think about when "dreaming" about this at first. 

Luckily, we buckled down and got to work, figuring out details as we went. I was determined that we would eat between the rows of lavender, outside, even if it was sunny and warm. Well, as the day neared, rain was in the forecast and I was devastated. My dad and husband suggested pulling the combine and tractors out of the equipment barn and hosting the event in there. I thought it was a horrible idea, but I was SO wrong! Now, the barn has become our central point for all things lavender and each year we host the teas, festival seating, and more in it. I'm sorry to say (well..not really) that I'm not sure Dad will ever get it back for equipment storage. :)

Now, as we get ready to host our fifth year of teas, with four seatings planned for 2020, we continue to be so grateful and humbled by the response. We've had guests from half a dozen states and all over Kentucky. Of course, we know the food is mouth-watering good, the tea is most excellent, and the beauty of the farm speaks for itself. We also know that things aren't perfect - sometimes the lavender dies or isn't quite ready for harvest when you visit, or sometimes it even dares to rain. We also know the barn is just a barn with a gravel floor and bare walls, and we know that sometimes using a portable restroom isn't ideal, but it all works. Just like everything else, if we approach it all with grace, understanding, and patience, it's an amazing experience to share with those you love. 

We are excited again to welcome you to the farm for teas on May 30 and June 6, 2020. Our growing season is short and furious, which only allows us to be open for a short amount of time. Don't worry, though, we are still dreaming big and hopefully one day (as long as the lavender tolerates our non-ideal Kentucky climate), we can make some changes that will allow for more visits and events in coming years. Until then, we look forward to seeing you soon. The menu is set, the tea will be hot, your favorite products will be available, and we will welcome you with open arms. 

Thanks for supporting us for the past four years (several of you have been here for every.single.event)! We hope to be able to offer this experience for many years to come. 

-Allison

*Here are some random pics from the past few years of teas!

If you're a lover of all things pumpkin and all things lavender, this is the perfect recipe to warm up those crisp fall days that are (hopefully) coming soon! 

Source: Terre Bleu Lavender
Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups lavender sugar (grind 1 T. of lavender in two cups of sugar)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 15-ounce canned pumpkin
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon culinary Lavender buds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C). Grease and flour two 9 by 5 inches loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, lavender sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder with a fork. ​Add pumpkin pie spice, canned pumpkin, vegetable oil and eggs. Mix until just blended. 
3. Pour batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Sprinkle dried lavender buds and sugar on top of batter. 
4. Bake for about 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 
5. Cool in pans for 10 minutes and then cool completely. 
6. Before serving, garnish by sprinkling lavender culinary buds and lavender sugar 
7. Serve warm or keep for approximately a week.

Source: The Doctor's Kitchen
prep 5 mins
cook 15 mins
total 20 mins
author Dr. Sarah White
yield 1 cup syrup

Ingredients

•  1 cup water
• 2 tablespoon of dried lavender flowers
• 1/2 cup raw honey
• 1 shot of espresso or 1 small cup strong-brewed coffee.
• 3/4 cup almond milk (or non-dairy milk of choice) 

Instructions: Bring 1 cup water and 2 tablespoon of lavender flowers to a boil in a small stovetop saucepan. Add 1/2 cup raw honey and then reduce heat simmer for 15 minutes. Allow to cool, then strain the syrup and pour into a container to store in the fridge (will keep for 10 days). Add 1 tbs of lavender syrup to a shot of espresso or brewed coffee and top with steamed & frothed milk.

Hey lavender lovers. It's Mary with a bit of advice for you on how to make the most of your nighttime routine by using lavender. 

Let’s admit it. Bedtime can be the hardest part of our day. Dinner, dishes, homework, baths, tucking in
the kiddos and a thousand other things can cause stress and frustration. It’s hard to carve out any “me”
time.

In my opinion, the natural stress-reducing and calming effects of lavender are some of the most beneficial properties of the herb. Studies by the National Institutes for Health (NIH) and The National Sleep Foundation concur that properties in lavender can indeed get you ready for a better night of sleep. In fact, the National Sleep Foundation writes, "lavender has been shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure, potentially putting you in a more relaxed state. In one study, researchers monitored the brain waves of subjects at night and found that those who sniffed lavender before bed had more deep sleep and felt more vigorous in the morning."

While I may not have to deal with as many stressors as some of you, I still need to unwind at
the end of a busy day.

Here’s how I do it: I love, love, love making myself a “Cup of Comfort”- my favorite tea blend- and
sipping it slowly about an hour before bedtime. This tea has chamomile, anise, cinnamon, and lavender
and is SO good!

Right before I crawl into bed, I spray Lavender Chamomile Linen Spritz on my pillow. Sometimes, I even
spray it on my pj’s!!

Then, it’s lights out and time for my lavender/f1ax seed eye pillow.

If you're struggling with bedtime for yourself, your kiddos, or even your snoring husband (ha), try introducing lavender. It's one of the safest oils you can use (but you still need to do your research to know how, when, and why to use it, especially on kids).  

While it may not cure true insomnia, introducing lavender into your bedtime routine can make a difference!

Night Night, everyone!!

​-Mary

​If you're looking for some ways to show serious love this season, try culinary lavender in your sweet treats. Here's a line up of some of the very best lavender-goody-sweets around! Give them a try and let us know what you think!

We're telling you...upping your kitchen game by adding a dose of lavender is going to make you question everything you once knew about food. It's a magic little ingredient that adds health, earth, and even a bit of relaxation to every bite. Combine it with chocolate and *poof* --- mind blown.

If you live anywhere in Kentucky, then you've experienced the same winter we have...rain, rain, and more rain.
Do you know what conditions lavender hates most? Rain.

Ugh! Lavender hates having "wet feet." Wet conditions provide the perfect opportunity for diseases, like Phytophthora, root-knot nematodes, and Pythium to thrive. All of these can be detrimental to lavender plants. The bad news is that we have seen signs of all three here on the farm. We are treating them as recommended by the University of Kentucky plant pathology team, and experts from Clemson University (they're doing specific studies on these diseases in lavender).

The good news is that all that lavender we planted in rock...well, it's looking fabulous! Time will tell, so we anxiously await spring and hopefully the blooms will follow. *Fingers crossed*

​

Winter Update
It's an exciting time here on the farm!

Even though it's bone-chilling cold here right now, the new year is a time of reflection and new ideas for us. Earlier this week we returned from the United States Lavender Growers Association conference in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. While there, we were truly inspired and came away with some big ideas for the farm and our brand!

Oh...and we BOUGHT A STILL!! 

I just can't wait for it to get here. We don't have enough lavender to distill our own oil, but we plan to use it for hydrosol and perhaps even for distilling for demonstrations on the farm. We're pretty excited about this purchase and can't wait to fire it up for a test run.

We need your feedback
With all that said, we're going to be making some changes to our product line. We aren't 100% sure what will go and what will stay. What we do know is we have some products that we've been making because we love them, but they either nearly cost us to make or haven't been selling well. Those will be the first items we reevaluate. We are also talking about adding a select number of items and are working on recipes now.

We also will potentially be refreshing our brand and logo a bit. 

We're excited for new growth, changes, and improvements to the farm this year and we can't wait for you to visit. In the meantime, we really want your feedback and ideas! If you could take 5 minutes to help us with this simple survey, please do. When we get our first new product ready for testing, we'll be choosing a few testers from those who complete the survey, so hop on over and give us your thoughts.

Farmily
We're also starting a "farmily."

Well, actually, we aren't just starting it. The "farmily" already exists. It's made up of great people (like you) who love lavender and have supported our farm in a variety of ways. Perhaps you've purchased our products at a local retail shop, or maybe you've attended our Tea on the Farm, or maybe you just like following us on social media. Either way, we're glad you're here. We hope the "farmily" will be an online space where all of us can meet to discuss, learn, and grow. We're excited for this new community and hope you'll join the conversation. 

Coming soon
Last, we are planning a great line-up of events on the farm this spring (and praying this nasty cold weather doesn't kill the plants!!!) Watch our website and Facebook page for dates and info coming soon!

See you this spring!

-Allison and Mary

In case you missed our big announcement, we are now licensed for culinary production!
We started off our culinary line with some of our favorite items – three custom blended herbal teas, culinary lavender, and, of course, Herbs de Provence.

Herbs de Provence is a standard herb blend that you can find most anywhere, but it’s important to note that not all herb blends are created equal. Some Herbs de Provence only contain four or five herbs, but the hand-ground and hand-blended small-batch Herbs de Provence you get from The Lavender Farm at Woodstock contains 10 of the freshest herbs you can find, including our delectable culinary lavender!

We know that many people aren’t familiar with this unique blend, but we also know that once you try it, you’ll love it. We’ve gathered some of the best tried-and-true recipes from around the web to help you get started using Herbs de Provence from The Lavender Farm at Woodstock.