Scents & Scent’s Ability–A Love Letter to Lavender

Hey there, lavender lovers! It’s Angelina from The Angelina Store, and with Lavenderpalooza just around the corner (March 25-31, 2025!), I thought it’d be the perfect time to share my obsession with this beautiful plant. Lavender isn’t just a pretty purple bloom—it’s a piece of history, a gift from nature, and a star in so many of my favorite products. So, grab a cup of Hampstead Organic Lavender & Valarian tea, settle in, and let’s talk all things lavender, from its roots (literally!) to the goodies we’ve got lined up for you.

What Is Lavender, Really?

Lavender’s official name is Lavandula angustifolia—that’s its genus and species, the way botanists classify plants. The genus Lavandula includes about 47 species, but angustifolia—often called English lavender—is the one most people know and love for its sweet scent and calming properties. Those long, slender leaves (angustifolia means “narrow-leaved”) and vibrant purple flowers make it a standout in gardens and fields.

Growing and Harvesting Lavender

Lavender thrives in sunny, well-drained spots—think Mediterranean climates with sandy soil and lots of light. It’s a hardy plant, often grown in places like Provence, France, where endless fields turn purple in the summer. Farmers plant it in rows, giving each shrub space to soak up the sun. It takes about two to three years for lavender to fully mature, but once it does, it’s ready for harvest around mid-summer, just as the flowers start to open. That’s when the scent is strongest—cut too early, and you miss the full aroma; too late, and the blooms start to fade. Harvesters snip the stalks by hand or with small sickles, bundle them up, and often hang them to dry in airy barns. The dried flowers are then distilled for essential oils or used whole in sachets, soaps, teas and more.

A Little Lavender History

Lavender’s been around for centuries—its name comes from the Latin lavare, meaning “to wash,” because the Romans loved using it in their baths. Ancient Egyptians used it in mummification (talk about a lasting scent!), and medieval Europeans stuffed it into pillows to ward off bad dreams. By the 17th century, lavender was a staple in English gardens, and it became a go-to for everything from perfumes to medicinal tonics. It’s always had this magical reputation—part practical, part mystical—and I totally get why.

Why Lavender’s So Amazing

Lavender isn’t just pretty—it’s a powerhouse. Its essential oil is packed with benefits, which is why I’m so obsessed with using it in my products. Here’s why lavender’s a must-have:

• Calms the Mind: The scent of lavender is like a deep breath—it helps ease stress and promotes relaxation. Studies even show it can lower anxiety and improve sleep.
• Soothes the Skin: Lavender’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it a lifesaver for irritated skin. It’s gentle enough for all skin types but tough on redness or breakouts.
• Natural Healing: From minor burns to bug bites, lavender oil can help speed up healing and reduce scarring. It’s like nature’s first-aid kit!
• Home Sweet Home: Lavender’s aroma freshens up any space, whether it’s in a diffuser, a spray, or even a tea towel. It’s a little touch of peace in your daily routine.

Lavender Farms Near Sequim, Washington

If you’re ever in the mood for a lavender-filled road trip, you’ve got to visit the farms near Sequim, Washington, just a ferry ride from Seattle. Nestled in the Dungeness Valley, Sequim is known as the Lavender Capital of North America, thanks to its sunny, dry climate—perfect for growing lavender. Picture this: rolling fields of purple, the scent of lavender in the air, and the Olympic Mountains in the background. Farms like Lavender Connection, with over 3,000 plants and 40 varieties, let you cut your own bundles and explore their charming family-owned setup. B&B Family Farm, the largest in the area with 14,000 plants, offers free tours where you can see their oil distillation process—I learned so much there! Purple Haze Lavender is another gem, with lavender ice cream and lemonade to sip while you wander their fields. Many of these farms are open all summer, and the Sequim Lavender Weekend in July (third weekend, mark your calendar for next year!) is a must if you want to see the magic at its peak.

Lavenderpalooza at The Angelina Store

Speaking of lavender magic, I’m beyond excited to share some of our favorite lavender goodies with you during Lavenderpalooza, our biggest sale of the season, running March 25-31, 2025! We’re offering 20% off all lavender-themed products, plus free shipping on orders over $25. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can snag:

• Lavender Luxe Mist Natural Hydrating Toner: This mist is my go-to for a quick refresh. It’s a natural toner packed with pure lavender to hydrate and soothe your skin, plus it doubles as an aromatherapy pick-me-up. Mist it on after a long day, and you’ll feel like you’re floating through a lavender field.
• Coucke Lavender Fields Tea Towel: Add a touch of Provence to your kitchen with this gorgeous tea towel. It’s 100% cotton, jacquard-woven with a lavender field design, and perfect for making dish-drying a little more magical.

And that’s just the start! We’ve got more lavender treasures waiting for you, from diffusers to gift sets, all designed to bring a bit of calm and beauty into your life. Plus, if you sign up for our newsletter, you’ll get 10% off your first order—perfect for stocking up during the sale. We offer free shipping on all orders over $25.

So, whether you’re a longtime lavender fan or just discovering its magic, I’d love for you to join us for Lavenderpalooza. Let’s celebrate this amazing plant together and make your home (and skincare routine!) a little more peaceful. See you at theangelinastore.com, March 25-31!