Just in time

One of our historic barns is getting a new lease on life, and not a moment too soon.

Before our heavier than usual snows in February this machinery arrived at the barn used by the Lavender Connection to support an obviously sagging roof. Failing shingles were removed. Then it snowed…a lot. The weight of snow would likely have caused collapse.

Bit by bit the roof is being repaired and replaced. It’s a big job, and no doubt a hit on a pocketbook of any size.

I took this shot in 2017. It was clear even then that its days were numbered. It’s very nice to see it brought back to useful life.

Oily business

Lavender essential oils are used in products such as soaps and lotions. Undiluted essential oils are also sold. We were pleased to find an expert to answer our questions staffing the distillery at Lavender Connection during the Lavender Festival.

Distillation essentially steams the oil from a lavender plant. At Lavender Connection the blossoms and stems from 19 plants are used to produce the equivalent of about 7 ounces of essential oil. This is the equipment that Lavender Connection uses.

Jardin du Soleil distills in this equipment. Click here to learn more about the distilling process at Jardin du Soleil.