The Lavender of Sequim: America’s Provence

LOCAL AUTHOR

Nestled between the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, Sequim is an area of Washington known for its scenic views, wild elk herds, and the crowds who flock to this otherwise quiet hamlet each summer to experience the seas of lavender. Sequim’s Lavender Weekend, the third weekend in July, is an experience not to be missed.

The Lavender of Sequim celebrates Sequim’s agricultural history and the growth of the lavender industry, as well as the medicinal purposes of lavender, varieties of the plant, and how to grow, harvest, and dry it. The author provides a handy chart detailing which foods and flavors complement lavender, and which varieties of lavender work best in the kitchen. I can’t wait to try her recipe for Fresh-Squeezed Lavender Limeade. Sequim’s lavender farms comprise their own section and, sprinkled with sweet quotations throughout, the book is a joy to browse. My favorite part of this guide was the breathtaking pictures.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit Sequim, so this book was meaningful to me and is an excellent keepsake. It’s something I would have gladly picked up and purchased while visiting a lavender farm. If you’re interested in lavender, or you’re planning a trip to the area, this is an excellent guide.