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Lavender is certainly an old favourite and for centuries its precious oils and colourful flowers have been used in medicine, cooking, perfume and decoration. Christine De Pasquale knows many of its uses, and with over 20 years experience in growing lavender varieties, loves sharing them each week at the markets. Ratho Lavender is her business based at her very own Lavender Farm in Young where the lavender is harvested by hand on the steep rocky slopes of her family property, around two hours’ drive from Canberra. Having been at the markets for around 14 years, the family business which was established in 1990 produces many products including dried and fresh (seasonal) bunches of lavender, stitched sachets that contain a blend of lavender and other herbs and can be used in the pantry to ward off weevils and in the closet to get rid of moths around your woollens. Sleep pillows and eye pillows are great for relaxation and headaches, while her lavender and clay soap varieties are known for their cleansing properties and lovely scents.  Christine also has potpourri, lavender and herb body treatments and men’s herbal products. Bulk stripped lavender flower buds, including culinary lavender, are also available. Christine is at the markets every Sunday.