Fresh ideas: Nurtured by nature

The bounty from California's farms and ranches does more than provide a good meal—it nourishes skin, hair, gardens and even creativity.

	Luxurious lavender California's scenic Sierra foothills provide an ideal landscape for growing the stunning purple plants used in Sonora Gold's lavender oil. Owners Sandy and Joy Severin use fresh, full blooms of French lavender and distill them into an essential oil ideal for perfume or aromatherapy. They also offer distilled lavender water, linen and room spray, and sachets. Available: online and select stores More information: www.sonoragoldoils.com or 209-536-1815
	Hair care with flair They might smell good enough to eat, but these fruity lathers belong on your head, not in your mouth. Nature's Gate Persimmon and Rose Geranium Color Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner contain persimmon extract and panthenol (vitamin B5) to moisturize locks and add shine. The extracts found in Nature's Gate's extensive line of hair and skin care products come from California farms. Available: online and select stores More information: www.natures-gate.com or 800-421-1223
	'Tea' for your plants Southern California rancher Annie Haven continues her family's farming and ranching legacy by offering the benefits of Mother Nature to your garden. She harvests, processes and packages the byproduct of her livestock into manure tea bags. The rancher says that Authentic Haven Brand Natural Brew tea is easy to brew and feed to all types of plants for increased bloom and yield. Available: online and specialty stores nationwide More information: www.manuretea.com or 949-248-1249
	Good to the last goop Gentle enough for a baby's bottom and strong enough for a gardener's calloused hands, All Good Goop Organic Healing Balm moisturizes and soothes with the help of calendula—a skin-healing herb. The petroleum-free salve from Elemental Herbs on the Central Coast features calendula from Los Osos and Marin County farms and can also be used on insect bites, stings, minor burns and chapped lips. Available: online and specialty stores More information: www.elementalherbs.com or 877-239-4667
	Soft skein Indulge your crafty side with a knitting project made from Kim Bethel's Downhome Handspun Fibers. The yarn comes from angora and pygora goats raised on Bethel's farm in the Sierra Nevada foothills. After the fiber is spun by hand, Bethel uses plants from her garden—such as sunflower, marigold, yarrow and goldenrod—to dye the yarn. Undyed skeins may also be ordered. Available: online More information: www.downhomehandspunfibers.com or 559-877-3315

Kim Mims, Barbara Arciero and Trina Wood are reporters for California Bountiful. Send "Fresh Ideas" to them at info@californiabountiful.com.