So Succulent Gardens

There are many legends about herbs and the roles they played in the Christmas story.

The wreath circle stands for eternity, the following is an explanation of herbs often found in an advent  wreath:

Juniper, cedar and pine protected the Holy Family on their flight from Egypt.

Ivy denotes the trinity.

Lavender represents purity and virtue, lavender is said to have received its lovely scent when it served as the drying rack for the Baby Jesus' swaddling clothes

Sage stands for immortality.

Horehound is a wish for good health.

Rue is a symbol or virtue and banishes evil.

Thyme another manger herb stands for bravery and strength of Christ.

Rosemary is for remembrance.

The story associated with rosemary is that its flowers changed from white to blue in Mary’s honor.

Bedstraw, is considered a manager herb.

Pennyroyal, is supposed to have bloomed at midnight on Christmas Eve in  Christ’s honor.

Costmary, also known as Bible leaf and used as a bookmark the fragrance chases insects, was used by Mary Magdalene to make an ointment for the baby Jesus.

Tansy is associated with immortality.

 We carry all the above plants in spring ready to ship to your door.

See more at www.blossomfarm.com

You will need:

one  8 by 10 inch soft fabric such as velor, satin or velvet
one cup of rice or flax seed
1/4 to 1/2 cup lavender flower buds (dried)

Fold the material in half with wrong sides together.
Sew two of the long side together and sew one short side. 1/2 inch seam allowance
(The pillow will be 4 by 9 when you are done sewing.)
Turn right side out and you will have a small pillow case.
Fill with bag lavender and your choice of flax or rice.
Turn the edges of the short side down and hem.

Now you can have an enjoyable pillow for relaxtion.
Simply place over your eyes to rest or meditate.

Gayle at www.blossomfarm.com

This is another interesting homemade item to add to you lavender gift basket. 

Lavender Laundry Softener

• 32 oz. white vinegar
• 32 oz. baking soda
• 64 oz. distilled or purified water
• ½ oz. lavender essential oil.

Mix the baking soda into the vinegar over a sink
or other contained area, in a large plastic jar. The two materials, when mixed together, will cause a "fizzing" reaction. Add water and essential oiland stir again. *As gifts, dispense into plastic bottles and label with the following directions: Use 1/4 cup per load. Add in rinse cycle.

This would make great little hostess gift and of course stocking stuffer.  I hate to waste good vodka and have made them with rubbing alcohol and it is less expensive.

GEL AIR FRESHENERS

• 1 packet of unflavored Knox Gelatin
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup vodka of grain alcohol
• 1- 2 TBSP. fragrance oil

Food coloring as desired.  Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water. Allow to cool to room temperature then add the vodka, coloring and scent. Pour into decorative jar (I use 8 ounce canning jar)  with tight fitting lid, and refrigerate till set.   

Later put a piece of eyelet lace (or comparable breathable fabric) on the top and screw down the ring; if giving as a gift, I would put the canning lid on, then the lace and ring.