Lavender is far more than just a pretty flower in the garden it’s a fragrant, functional plant that lends itself beautifully to home decor, culinary experiments, natural beauty routines, and even pest control. In my own garden, I grow Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender. The variety I’ve settled on is ‘Hidcote’ compact, aromatic, and deep purple in bloom. Nestled on the sunny edge of my forest garden, it thrives with minimal care and offers an abundant harvest every summer.
August is peak lavender season, and with the plants in full bloom, I turn my attention to harvesting. Snipping the flowers not only provides material for a variety of projects, but it also encourages the plant to produce more blooms. Below are some of my favorite ways to put lavender to good use far beyond the traditional sachet.
Lavender in the Kitchen
While lavender can be a polarizing flavor some find it overly floral when used sparingly, it adds a sophisticated note to culinary creations. Personally, I prefer it as a subtle accent rather than a dominant flavor.
Favorite Edible Uses
- Lavender honey vinaigrette: A few crushed buds steeped in warm honey and whisked into a vinaigrette make summer salads sing.
- Lavender sugar: Add dried blossoms to a jar of sugar and let it infuse perfect for baking or sweetening teas.
- Fruit pairings: Lavender pairs well with berries and stone fruits; use it to flavor jams, compotes, or sorbets.
Just remember: a little goes a long way. When in doubt, start with half the amount you think you need.
Decorating with Lavender
Most of my harvest ends up indoors not in the kitchen, but in my home decor. Freshly cut stems go into vases throughout the house, bringing both beauty and fragrance. As they dry naturally, they’re ready for even more creative uses.
Home Decor Ideas
- Rustic wreaths: I repurpose my ash-branch holiday wreath by tucking lavender and rosemary bunches around it, securing them with homemade nettle twine.
- Dresser bouquets: Small dried bundles placed in closets or drawers add a fragrant, calming scent while deterring moths.
- Lavender bowls: Don’t toss the stems! Soften them with moisture and coil into bowls or baskets, stitching with natural twine beautiful and aromatic.
Natural Insect Repellent
One of lavender’s lesser-known benefits is its ability to keep insects at bay. Many bugs particularly flies and mosquitoes dislike its strong aroma. This makes it a useful and lovely addition to any eco-friendly pest control strategy.
How to Repel Pests with Lavender
- Bouquets near doors and windows: Tied bunches placed at entry points help deter flies.
- Outdoor planting: Place lavender near patios or walkways to create a natural mosquito barrier.
- Lavender oil: Infuse oil from the blossoms and use it as a light skin rub to repel biting insects.
Even lavender’s leftover stems can play a role twisted into bundles or placed in the fire pit, they produce a subtly repellent smoke when burned.
Lavender for Beauty and Self-Care
One of the most rewarding uses for my lavender is in homemade beauty and wellness products. Whether fresh or dried, the flowers and leaves lend themselves well to a variety of soothing, aromatic concoctions.
DIY Lavender Beauty Projects
- Hair rinse: Steep lavender and rosemary in boiling water, strain, and use as a post-wash rinse to add shine and calm the scalp.
- Lavender oil infusion: Combine dried lavender with sweet almond oil and let it infuse for a few weeks. Use the oil in salves or as a soothing moisturizer.
- Beeswax balm: I combine my infused lavender oil with beeswax and a touch of honey to make a multipurpose balm perfect for dry winter skin and chapped lips.
- Soap-making: Dried lavender buds are beautiful in homemade soaps, adding both scent and gentle exfoliation.
If you distill your own essential oils, your options multiply from homemade cleaning sprays to aromatherapy blends.
Lavender is one of those gifts from nature that keeps on giving. With a single summer harvest, you can fill your pantry, your home, your garden, and your medicine cabinet. Whether you’re crafting, cooking, or simply savoring the scent in your living room, lavender is endlessly versatile.
So next time your lavender blooms in abundance, think beyond the sachet. There’s a whole world of ways to bring its charm and usefulness into every corner of your home.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding any questions you may have regarding your health.
