Grow More Lavender!


Harvesting and Storing

After the first year of growth, cut flowers a few inches below the bloom. For leaf harvesting, cut the stems within one node of the woody growth. The stem can be hung to dry in a warm, dry, dark area; or if drying for arrangements, stems can be laid out flat on screens so the branches dry in desired shapes. After dried, store in tightly capped containers.

Medicinal

Research has proven that lavender does have antiseptic properties and is used by herbalists for minor cuts and blemishes. Try adding several fresh or dried lavender flowers to our favorite facial toner for an added benefit. Smelling the scent of lavender is said to help with mild depression or anxiety.

Crafts

Lavender flowers are used as a fragrance in potpourris and essential oils, and its leaves are sued in wreath and arrangements.

Lavender Dryer Sachet

-This is simply a small cotton drawstring bag containing dried lavender flowers. Place in your dryer when drying clothes, and your laundry will smell wonderful!

Materials: One 4x4 inch cotton drawstring bag (buy or make), 1 cup dried lavender buds, 1 cotton ball.

Directions: Fill the bag with the lavender buds tightly and place the cotton ball on top to prevent the herb from escaping. Secure the bag-this is important so that your herbs do not escape out of the bag and into your dryer workings. Place the bag in with a dryer load you wish to scent. It will last up to twenty-five uses.

Culinary

Try ½ teaspoon of lavender blossoms in a loaf of bread for a soft, piney taste. Add fresh or dried flowers to other baked goods. Flowers can be added to black tea for a good taste. Lavender-rosemary vinegar can be used in dressings for salads and marinades for vegetables. For the vinegar, fill a ten ounce jar with equal amounts of lavender blossoms and rosemary leaves. Add one cup of heated white vinegar and cover. Let it steep for two weeks. Strain and place in decorative bottles.

Recipe: Lavender-Rosemary Jelly

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons rosemary leaves, two tablespoons lavender blossoms, ¼ cup vinegar, 2 ½ cups honey, 3 ounces fruit pectin

Directions: Boil 2 ½ cups of water and pour over herbs. Let stand 15 minutes. Strain and place in a stainless steel or glass saucepan. Add vinegar and honey to the pan, bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add the pectin, stirring and boiling for one more minute. Remove from heat, skim off

The copyright of the article Grow More Lavender! in Herb Gardening is owned by Laurel Morris. Permission to republish Grow More Lavender! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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