Put your warm blankets and cozy comforts away because spring is here, bringing with it plenty of fresh inspiration for home decor.

Since our current weather pattern seems to be offering some long dry spells, it might be worth considering planting some drought tolerant herbs. Though many are locally available that offer fragrance as well as culinary and medicinal uses, lavender remains one my favorites. When properly placed and attended several lavender varieties grow well in Kona. Known as a Mediterranean plant, lavender is a wonderfully fragrant herb that is well-suited for Hawaiian gardens. Grown primarily for its fragrance, you may also find recipes for its inclusion in food and drinks as well as in remedies.

A honu is glides toward a snorkelers camera at Kahalu’u Bay.