Photo courtesy of Pelindaba Lavender.

Known for its soothing floral fragrance and its visually calming color, the pursuit and utility of lavender dates back to ancient Egypt. There, lavender oil played a holistic role in the mummification process. But on San Juan Island, there’s a much different herbal practice happening. Pelindaba Lavender is a premier grower of lavender plants, distiller of lavender essential oils and handcrafter of over 200 different wellness and decor products, cultivated from its beautiful farm in Washington. From their own organically-certified fields of flowers and essential oils extracted from them, each step of the process is done on the farm and sustainably handcrafted.

Owner and founder Stephen Robins applies his South African roots with the Zulu word “Pelindaba”, which translates as “place of great gatherings.” And by gathering great elements, such as nourishing crops and discerning people, Pelindaba reaps what it sews. Recently nestled into its new Palm Ave. storefront, formerly Art of Ireland, the pleasantly aromatic and monochromatic retail shop brings a wide range of elegantly designed and effective products to Downtown Sarasota.

If you’re looking for a restful night’s sleep or to ease your pesky arthritis pains, without resorting to packaged medication aids, Pelindaba organizes its wide variety of natural products in terms of what you need lavender’s magical welfare for. From botanical, culinary, personal care, therapeutic, household and pet care, find daily uses for lavender for inside and outside your home. Enjoy essential oil candles/potpourri, liquid castile soap, lavender linen water for laundry and work in the garden with lavender insect repellent, fire ant treatment, organic hydrosol and algae inhibitor. For cosmetic and personal care, feel yourself at ease in a silky lavender milk bath and with a skincare arsenal of lavender from toner/cleaners, after shave gels, hair serums, therapeutic massage oils, body lotions/butters and antibacterial powders. Find the gourmet plant even in the kitchen, now appearing more regularly on menus, contributing to a gastronomic revival harvesting sweet and savory foods and beverages, such as salt/pepper seasoning, honey/chutneys, vinegars, ice cream, chocolates, chamomile teas/lemonade, cookies and even dog biscuits. Also for your furry pet pals, source antiseptic and disinfectant soft shampoo, and a calming pillow filled with a blend of lavender buds and rice grains to pacify your pup from New Year’s fireworks.

Photo courtesy of Pelindaba Lavender.

45 South Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-554-8785.