Monday, July 21, 2014

lavender harvest


it is lavender harvest time and i am loving it.
i have to admit that there are some challenges to this process though. 
the bees are constant companions as i try to cut my fill of "their" property 
and am thinking nighttime harvesting might be the answer.  
i'll try that next year.  i also got the idea that we should put some beehives
on the property.  lavender honey - oh yea!


i have about 20 plants around the property and when they are at their full,
most colorful radiance, it is simply stunning.  this tells me it is time to cut.


i have been advised to cut the stems not just the flowers as it will often
result in a second blossoming.  i hope so!  once cut, i tie them into bundles 
and they are either given away (this bundle above was delivered 
to a dear friend who is bravely struggling with her health) or...........


hung inside to dry.  i think my laundry room wins the most fragrant 
and soothing laundry room award!  
i let them air dry for a week or so and then sit in front of the tv for numerous
nights in a row, gently hand crunching off the dried lavender buds.


i am over halfway through the bundles and plan on spending tonight
 in front of the tv, again.  not a bad way to spend the evening - in total relaxation!  
i have so many plans for these beautiful buds: lavender soap, oil, tea, sachets,
cookies, pillows.......other ideas?


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