In the summer, many gardens are ablaze with color! Bees buzz amid the vibrant hues as brilliant blooms sway silently in the summer breeze. While I can appreciate all the beauty and benefits I enjoy from every vegetable, fruit, and flower in my garden, I consider one particular herb a true summer staple!
Lavender, with its enchanting fragrance and stunning purple blooms, has captured the hearts of gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike for centuries. This versatile herb is more than a feast for the senses. It offers numerous benefits that range from health and wellness to culinary versatility.
This blog post will explore the perks of growing lavender. Plus, I’ll share a few of my delightful, lavender-infused recipes that are summer favorites in our home!
Benefits of Growing Lavender
Aromatic bliss: Lavender’s soothing scent is one of its most well-known features. The mere presence of lavender can induce relaxation, reduce stress, and promote better sleep. Planting lavender near seating areas or bedroom windows lets you bask in its calming fragrance.
Pollinator magnet: The herb’s vibrant purple flowers are a magnet for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By inviting these beneficial creatures into your garden, you’ll be fostering a healthier ecosystem and aiding in pollinating other plants in the area.
Natural pest repellent: While it attracts pollinators, lavender contains natural compounds that make many pests, such as mosquitoes, moths, and flies, steer clear of your garden. Growing lavender around your garden can deter unwanted visitors and reduce the need for chemical insecticides.
Drought tolerance: Lavender is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soil and sunny locations. Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it an excellent choice for water-conscious gardeners.
Medicinal properties: With a long history of therapeutic use, lavender possesses anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it helpful in treating minor cuts, burns, and insect bites. Lavender oil is also commonly used in aromatherapy and massage to aid relaxation.
Culinary delights: While lavender is commonly known for its fragrance, it can also lend its unique flavor to various culinary creations. From sweet treats to savory dishes, lavender can elevate the taste profile of your recipes.
When it’s harvest time, I dry my lavender by hanging the stalks upside down in a dry spot, avoiding direct sunlight for 2-4 weeks. Then, this delightful herb is ready for use in yummy recipes like these!
Honey Lavender Cookies
The main ingredients include butter, sugar, honey, flour, salt, and dried lavender, drizzled with a vanilla glaze.
Lavender Popsicles
Coconut cream, lavender, vanilla bean, honey, and just a smidge of butterfly pea flower powder give these chilly treats a beautiful, bluish color.
Cucumber Lavender Cooler
Add thinly sliced cucumber and strain lavender into filtered or spring water for a soothing, flowery flavor.
For additional details about these goodies, visit my blog, “In the Kitchen” and check out my YouTube channel:
