Pam James, co-owner of Pelindaba Lavender in downtown Fernandina, taught children about the many benefits of growing lavender and how it is used in health, skincare, food, and more at Budding Gardeners: Lavender Love on January 14.​ Afterward, the children had a ton of fun by planting their own lavender seedlings to take home and making some lavender-themed crafts. A delicious themed snack of lavender lemonade and lavender shortbread was enjoyed by the children and their parents.

Pelindaba Lavender is a premier grower of lavender plants, a distiller of lavender essential oils, and a handcrafter of lavender-based products. Pam James co-founded the company after 30 years in the corporate world. The foundations were laid in 1998, with the refinement of their planting and distilling process continuing to a public opening in 2001. Pelindaba Lavender has flourished since then, opening numerous franchise locations, and celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2021.

More information about Pam James, her story, and Pelindaba Lavender’s products can be found here.

Budding Gardeners is aimed at children in grades 1-6 to discover gardening, conservation, and wildlife through interactive programs, crafts, and outdoor projects. Children and their parents or caregivers collaborate during a morning of healthy and fun activities.

Look for more Budding Gardeners programs on the Garden Club events page here.