Clockwise from
top left:
The Lavender Garden: Beautiful Varieties to Grow and Gather by
Robert Kourik and Deborah Jones (Chronicle Books, $19)
Luxury Body Butter, $38. (800) 590-6464,
www.matanzascreek.com/gardens
Lavender Fields Wreath, $40. (800) 503-9624,
www.whiteflowerfarm.com
Hood River Lavender Organic Culinary Lavender, $6; and Gorge Wind
Tea, $8. (888) 528-3276,
www.lavenderfarms.net
L'Occitane Lavender Harvest Incense Sticks, $17; Linen Water Spray,
$16; and Sachet, $8. (888) 623-2880,
www.loccitane.com
Hill Country Lavender Bubble
Bath, $19. (830) 833-2294,
www.hillcountrylavender.com
Waterman Ici et Là Blue Pen, $65. (800) 772-7367,
www.artbrown.com
Vera Wang Bow Collection Thank-You Notes, $26 for a box of 10.
www.chelsea paper.com
Small Lavender Scalloped Cake Stand, $35. (877) 812-6235,
www.williams-sonoma.com
Avalon Organics Lavender Moisture Plus Lotion with SPF 18, $16;
Renewal Facial Serum, $20; and Revitalizing Eye Gel, $20.
(877) 263-9456,
www.avalonorganics.com
Hill Country Lavender Soaps, $6 each. (See above.)
Ah, lavender. For centuries, this queen of herbs has quietly
maintained a stellar reputation as a soothing antidote to stress,
sleeplessness, and a host of other ailments. When they weren't out
conquering the world, busy Romans soaked their cares away in
fragrant, relaxing lavender baths - in fact, the Latin word
lavare means "to wash" - and modern-day moms, with their
outsize schedules, would do well to follow their example. But these
days, it's not just for the bath: Lavender is taking a star turn in
plenty of treats (edible and otherwise) that would make perfect
Mother's Day gifts … or "just because it's Tuesday" indulgences for
yourself.
- Jennifer C. Worrell