Lavender blue dilly dilly

Myself in a Lavender field in Banstead, Surrey

A visit to see family in Surrey took me on a lazy Sunday drive in the sunshine to a lavender field, which I have to say was one of the prettiest things I've ever seen. Grown to the Soil Association's organic standard, Mayfield's lavender is situated in a field off Croydon Lane in Banstead. Although it is not a 'pick your own,' field, it is open to the public, so we can stroll (or dance) through the fields, inhaling the naturally poignant smell as a light breeze blows across the field.

There's a shop, or more like a stall, near the entrance selling bunches of lavender, oils and even cakes - gifts with a difference. For the creative visitors, there is currently a photography competition running, with a £200 cash prize, so if you're up for a challenge that in itself is a reason to visit. Unfortunately this wasn't a planned visit, so I only had my camera phone, which does not justify the intense colour of the flowers. You have to see it for yourself! But if you can't, for some truly spectacular images of Mayfield check out Adrian Scott's images on Flickr.

Even though it's not at all a day out, if you're anywhere in the area on a sunny day, spare half an hour and divert your journey to take in this incredible sight (and smell).

Colour as far as the eye can see

What to do with a bunch of lavender?

Dry it away from direct sunlight. You can remove any flowerheads and make sachets out of two squares of material sewn together or a hanker chief tied up like a napsack. Place with clothes in wardrobes and drawers to fragrance clothes and keep moths away. Arrange flowerheads in bowls to make pot pourri.

Arrange it on it's own or with other flowers in a vase for a beautiful display. Get creative and decorate bunches in baskets or milk jugs for that 'I've just visited the country' feel.

Cook with it to give a burst of flavour to food. Lavender is a herb, and as we know that Mayfield's lavender is organic, it's safe to use. But still wash any lavender and try find out where and how yours was grown.

Try lavender ice cream and cake, or how about mixing with honey and glazing over lamb?

Lavender history and facts
Lavender was used in Ancient Egypt for embalming, jars containing lavender were found in Tutankhamen's tomb.

The Greeks also used the flower for perfume and medicinal, while the Ancient Romans found its antiseptic qualities and also introduced lavender to Britain.

Queen Victoria was known for using lavender. She appointed Miss Sarah Sprules "Purvey of Lavender Essence to the Queen." It was fashionable among ladies and was also used to wash walls, repel insects, perfume, furniture polish, soap and medicine. Small bags were known to be worn in a young woman's cleavage to attract a suitor.

The name lavender may have come from: lavare, a Latin verb which means to wash. To extract the oil from lavender, the flowers are steamed and distilled. Lavender is the only essential oil which can be used directly on the skin.

Sources: Clyde Valley Lavender and Lavender Enchantment.

Lavender's blue, dilly dilly, lavender's green,

When I am king, dilly, dilly, you shall be queen.

Who told you so, dilly, dilly, who told you so?
'Twas my own heart, dilly, dilly, that told me so.
Call up your men, dilly, dilly, set them to work.

(Apparently there are over 30 versus of this song!)



Cardiff International Food Festival

So, this is a moment in my blogging career where I hang my head in shame because this post is sooooo late going up. Between relocating to Reading and starting a new job, my blog has taken a back seat for a couple of months. And to make things worse, this fabulous guest post has been sitting in my inbox for a good couple of weeks! So I apologise and insist that it's better late than never!


May I take this opportunity to introduce Back to the Roots' new Welsh correspondent, Ruth Dawson. Readers say hello to the Swansea lady who loves food, fashion and Girl Talk! Any other fashionistas out there go and check out her blog, Chic and Cheerful.





Foodie festival review, by Ruth Dawson

The Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival certainly lived up to its name this year with a delicious spread of every food you could wish for: from sushi to sangria, I must have tried flavours from every continent. Highlights of the day included my first try of venison (as a part-time meat eater, this proved a bit too rich for me but it was very well prepared all the same) and sampling some yummy home-made honeycomb ice cream.

Cardiff International Food Festival with Cardiff Bay as a background

To compliment the seasoned atmosphere were some very quirky entertainers. The music was as varied as the foodstuffs on offer: we caught some excellent big band music, which was followed swiftly by a lively country group. There were also two comic entertainers wandering the site throughout the day, dressed as dinner ladies with bright pink wigs and later as jolly French chefs.

Food and laughter, hand in hand

Overall it was a lovely day down the bay. The only downfall of the event was that the farmer's market was very easily missed. These stalls were tucked away past the Pierhead Building, away from the main event. As it turned out, some of the best dairy product sellers were in the farmer's area - I don't think I've ever tried so many types of Cheddar in one place before!

What's your favourite?

 

Jam menu



Authentic looking bottle

This is definitely one event to mark on your calendar next summer.

Put The Great British Cheese Festival in your diary
24th and 25th of September in Cardiff Castle