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Originally found in the Mediterranean countries, the
perennial herb lavender has long been prized for its
perfume and medicinal qualities. Used by the ancient
Romans for its healing and antiseptic qualities, the
name itself comes from the Latin word “lavare,”
meaning to wash.
As a garden flower, lavender is hard to beat, having
fragrance, beauty and a harvest of sweet smelling
blooms. Old English lavender will grow two to three
feet high given a sunny spot in well-drained soil,
producing fragrant greyish leaves and blue/purple
flowers. Provence and grosso are recommended
varieties for Florida.
The more compact variety, hidcote, has darker blue
flowers, grows to around a foot high, and is not
only pretty in the flower or herb garden, but
stunning as a low hedge which will attract bees and
butterflies all summer long. It adapts well to
growing in containers, so if you place some on your
patio, deck or outside sitting area, you will be
able to enjoy its heady fragrance as you relax.
Lavender’s spiky form is always useful in summer
flower arranging. Can you imagine a more welcoming
posy for a guest room than lavender freshly picked
from the garden, mixed with pretty pastel-colored
sweet peas and a couple of old fashioned roses?
How
to Dry Lavender
Rubber band the stems of a bundle of lavender. Hang
the bundle in a dark place where it does not touch
the wall or other objects for about one week or
until dried.
Remove the buds gently and place them in an airtight
container to be used in a sachet.
Try a relaxing and antiseptic bath by tying sprigs
of lavender into a piece of muslin and letting the
bath water run over it as it fills your bath. If you
don’t have fresh lavender, try adding a couple drops
of the essential oil.
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Essential oil of lavender is used in aromatherapy to
lift depression, combat tiredness and help
relaxation. It has strong disinfectant properties
and was even used on the battlefields of World War
I and II to prevent infection and relieve pain when
other medical supplies were low. A drop of lavender
oil mixed with a teaspoon of carrier oil such as
grapeseed, and massaged into the temples and back of
the neck will soothe away headaches. Mixed with
massage oil, it is also thought to help relieve the
pain of arthritis or aching muscles.
Around the home, dried lavender stalks can be burned
like incense sticks or burned on the fire for their
wonderful fragrance. Dried lavender can also be tied
into wands, wired onto vine wreaths or used in
floral art, candle making and many other crafts.
In the garden, in the bath or anywhere around the
home, lavender really is a wonderful treat for the
senses!
How to make a lavender sachet
Materials
needed:
Silk fabric or organza
Satin ribbon
Sprig of lavender
Lavender potpourri
Needle, thread and scissors
Directions:
Cut two pieces of silk fabric into a rectangle,
square or whatever shape you prefer. Place both
pieces together, right sides in, and sew three sides
of the fabric together to form a pocket. Turn fabric
right side out and fill the pocket with your
favorite lavender potpourri, then hand-stitch.
For further information, visit
www.AllThatWomenWant.com.
Written by Colleen Moulding
Printed April 2007 |
