Why go to Provence when you have Cache Creek Lavender in your own regional backyard? The 2009 Cache Creek Lavender Festival in the hamlet of Rumsey is Sunday, June 14th. The day features farm tours, craft making, lavender harvesting, and  local music and wine — it’s fun and memorable.

Since 1996, Charles Opper and Linda Barrett have been growing lavender on their 1.5 acre farm located in Rumsey, the northern tip of the Capay Valley. The hard work and dedication they have put into their business is evident in both the well-tended lavender fields, and their high quality lavender beauty and household products. Currently Cache Creek Lavender grows 6 varieties of lavender, which is sold by the bunch, or used in the many other products they offer, such as soaps, sachets, sprays, oils, salts, and sugar — all handmade on the farm.

Medicinally, lavender stress reducing properties are widely known. Just a pinch of the flowers between the fingers can help release oils that calm, soothe, and relax. Bundle some lavender flowers in a piece of cheesecloth (or stuff them into a sock without a mate) and you have your own ‘stress-relief kit’ for use in your car, your dresser, the bath, or your pillowcase. To help with indigestion, steep the dried flowers in hot water for 10 minutes and drink as a tea. I have a bottle of Cache Creek Lavender’s Lavender Massage Oil at home and every now and then will offer foot massages to my loved ones. They never turn me down.

More information about the 2009 Cache Creek Lavender Festival.

Nina Andres

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• Country Garden Tour, Mother’s Day, May 10th, 2009