Preserving and Using Fragrant Lavender

Improve your sleep, create gifts for friends and extend your garden enjoyment by preserving some lavender.

Lavender has long been used to scent bath water. In fact, its botanical name Lavandula means to wash.

Dry some of your lavender by hanging stems upside down in a warm dry location. Collect the dried buds and flowers to use for sachets. Make or purchase a small cloth bag or pouch and fill with the lavender buds. Use the sachets to perfume your sock drawer and closet or place under your pillow for a relaxing night’s sleep.

Don’t worry if you didn’t or couldn’t grow lavender in your garden. You can purchase dried lavender buds and flowers from various retailers.

If you do have access to fresh lavender, craft a few stems into lavender wands or bottles. This takes a bit more effort, but the results are beautiful.

A bit more information:  For more tips on growing and using lavender see Ellen Spector Platt’s book Lavender, How to Grow and Use the Fragrant Herb. She provides tips on using it for beverages, dessert as well as crafts, decorations and aromatherapy.