So this beautiful weather has been great for the soap garden in addition to my spirits. We’ve been busy here helping those little green sprouts pop up and attempting to keep them weed free. Well, as much as possible. The cilantro, sage, and some of the flowers have really taken off now. With any luck, and no record-breaking drought here in Texas this year, these little guys might actually make it into the soaps! I’m really hoping to get to work with them soon.
What on earth would possess me to add some of the garden bounty to my soap? Why not? There are many items we use in soap making for aromatherapy in addition to their coloring abilities. Vanilla is a prime example of an additive that both changes the smell and will most definitely darken your soap. Calendula flowers will create a pretty color while lavender ones can make a great texture change to the soap. I wanted to use some of the fresh herbs and flowers in soap making while being able to honestly say whether or not they were grown pesticide free. Growing my own lets me control exactly how they are treated. If I want pesticide free flowers or truly fresh-cut herbs in my next batch, I just step out back and a cut off what I need. No guessing or hoping about what might have been added to my botanicals. Although I do have to guess about the weather for growing them and Texas weather tends to keep all of us guessing!
The sun is rising here now and I must get back to the soap pot. Hope your weekend is a pretty out there as mine looks to be. Donna’s Market is going on this weekend and you can find some of my info there at her booth. She will be taking any orders you may have for me Saturday while there. I will be in my regular weekly spots until CHA’s Family Fun Day in May where you will find me again!
Happy Washing!
Dorothy