Learn how to grow, enjoy this favorite flowering herb
Colorful and pretty, with a heavenly scent -- that's lavender! Celebrate this beloved herb Saturday in Folsom. Kathy Morrison
What’s that fragrance? Saturday morning in Folsom, it’s most likely lavender as a local landmark celebrates this popular Mediterranean herb.
Saturday, June 3, is “Lavender Day” at the Murer House and Gardens. Set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., this free event salutes all things lavender with speakers, lavender-laced gift items and (of course) lavender lemonade.
Lavender fits well with the Italian heritage and history behind Murer House, the home of Joe Murer. An Italian immigrant, Murer settled in Folsom more than a century ago and became an integral part of the growing community. His home and gardens – packed with Mediterranean fruit and flowers – reflected his Italian homeland.
On Lavender Day, Murer House will focus more on the horticultural benefits of this beloved flower. At 10 a.m., beekeeper Roger Steel will discuss bees, lavender and honey. Lavender flowers are not only a favorite food for bees, but their nectar also makes a distinctive honey.
At 11:30 a.m., Greg Gayton – garden guru at Green Acres Nursery & Supply – joins Christine Eschen of Tres Jolie Lavender Farm to speak on growing lavender at home, the many varieties available and which ones grow best in the greater Sacramento area. Learn how to tell a Spanish lavender from a French or English variety.
Lavender not only smells good, it has a distinctive flavor as an herb. Lavender lemonade and lavender gift items will be offered for sale. A drawing will be held for lavender plants and other prizes.
Murer House is located at 1125 Joe Murer Court in historic Folsom. In addition to the lavender festivities, free docent-led tours of the home and gardens will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Details and directions: https://murerhousefoundation.org/.
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