Peek of Orange

Crocuses at my Front Door

Crocuses at my Front Door

The only flowers in my garden are the crocuses–yellows, whites and purples–but they are lasting a long time. Last year the rabbits gnawed them so there were only bits of stems at ground level. This year I’ve only seen a couple of rabbits, and the winter wasn’t even that harsh, though it was a long haul for sure.

Hoping I won’t have to engage in the rabbit wars and squirrel wars like I did last summer.

These crocuses seem to be melting into space, the result of using the Lens Baby on my Olympus. I’m just beginning to explore this lens with flowers–it was a Christmas gift–and I’m looking forward to lots of experimenting. So far, I’m liking the soft look, and the unexpected results. I never quite know how the photos are going to turn out!

An Old Recipe for Scented Lavender Ink

Lavender from My Backyard Garden

Lavender from My Backyard Garden © 2008 Bo Mackison

Ever need to post something to calm and refresh yourself? That is what this simple photograph of lavender is meant to do for me this evening. I imagine breathing deeply in the plants and feeling a gentle relaxation overcome me.

I have had this recipe for many years, and have never made it, but maybe this August will be a good month to give it a try. My great-grandmother made scented inks every summer using a variety of garden flowers, including heirloom roses, geraniums and her very favorite, lavender.

LAVENDER INK

An ink that you scent with the flowers of the lavender plant will surely send a message of calm and enjoyment when the special recipient opens the envelope. What an added enjoyment to the message you send…

People do still write an occasional letter now and then — don’t they?

Here’s the recipe.

1/2 ounce lavender flowers, dried well
5-6 tablespoons of water (distilled if possible)
one small bottle purchased ink, black or dark blue

Crush the dried lavender flowers and simmer them in water for about 30 minutes – until there is 2 tablespoons of brown liquid left in the pan.

Strain through a piece of cheesecloth and mix with ink when fully cooled.

Enjoy.