Ever pictured yourself standing in the middle of a lavender field? Maybe not… But if you did picture yourself, you imagine peace and calm right? Maybe a bit of skipping, a lot of heavy inhaling, a bit of a dreamy look on your face?
Well, if this is your vision of a lavender field, as it was mine – you’re actually pretty spot on! When you walk through the entry at Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm in Shepherds Flat, Victoria you are immediately swathed in a lavender scented cloud, so the effects are immediate.
Lavender is well known for treating tension and anxiety, so it’s no surprise you feel a sense of calm surrounded by this gorgeous natural perfume. Walk through the entrance to the farm and it’s like you’ve been transported to a little European village – it is absolutely beautiful.
Follow a stone path with a lush green surrounding of vines and foliage and you will come across a little 1850’s stone farmhouse that the owner, Carol White, has restored and maintained beautifully and offers daily tours with a lovely commentary on the history of the property.
Past the farmhouse you will find the delightful Café La Trattoria serving all an array of European style dishes along with a selection of lavender delights like:
- delicious and refreshing lavender lemonade
- yummy lavender scones
- lavender sorbet
- lavender granita
- lavender honey… and more
Carol and her chef Sid are always coming up with new ways to service lavender, including beautiful aromatic roasts, amongst other culinary delights.
Situated indoor or outdoor, both areas are charming, depending on the weather.
When you look around this place, you will be amazed to learn that Carol has rebuilt the farm from a dilapidated state, all on her own over the last 20 or so years, based on her very specific vision. She is quite an inspirational woman who has followed her dream and created an amazing space for everyone to enjoy.
Carol has a team of staff working to produce some lovely lavender products on site, from oil to room mists to the good old fashioned lavender bags nanna use to keep in her undies drawer, there’s so much you can do with lavender!
And Carol is very passionate about the benefits of lavender – whether you like to eat it, bathe in it or simply sniff it.
So what can this magical herb (Carol is keen to let you know this is a herb, not a flower) do for us? Check out the list of ailments and issues this plant can deal with:
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Pain Relief
- Insect Repellent
- Upset stomach/bloating
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Digestive issues
- Hair loss prevention
- Dandruff
- Itching
- It can be used as an analgesic, antiseptic, expectorant – the list goes on!
But you get the drift – it’s a pretty handy plant! Before you go off to cure any of the above, make sure you’re using the right application for your ailment and the right type of lavender for that application.
Not all lavenders are ideal for ingesting, so if you’re thinking of cooking, make sure you’re using an English Lavender with low camphor content – consult with your green grocer to make sure you have the right supplies for the kitchen.
And remember, when cooking with lavender, a little goes a long way!
Otherwise you can use oils:
- direct to the skin
- in oil burners
- spay mists
- vaporisers
- in baths
- directly on linen
- in washing
You really just need to check on the best application for your purpose.
Lavandula is located just outside of Daylesford in Shepherds Flat and it is a gorgeous place to visit.
The lavender fields and gardens are gorgeous and it’s a beautiful setting for a get together and or even a wedding if that’s in your plans.
Carol holds various festivals and events at Lavandula, so keep your eye out for one of her big days via the website at www.lavandula.com.au.
You may catch a lovely singer by the name of Mara, who makes lavender pasta before your very eyes, all while she is singing like a bird! Or a local lady Adele, who makes glorious lavender tea – there are some wonderfully vibrant people around this village.
This is a really lively place with a lovely festive feeling to it, and of course everyone here is happy and relaxed due to the ever present lavender ambience.
Peace, love and lavender to you all xxx