Do you enjoy the fragrance and flavor of lavender? Some do, and a few don't. It will be a month or so before the Spanish lavender starts blooming. A few weeks after that, the Grosso, Hidcote, Munstead, and other lavenders will start to bloom proficiently! If you don't have any lavender in your garden, it's time to plan ahead. If you buy a gallon container of lavender from a nursery and plant it in your garden, you can enjoy blossoms of your own this summer. Once the lavender starts to bud, keep watch. Just before the buds start to blossom, harvest the lavender and place them in a warm place (outside of direct sunlight) to dry. Once dry, remove the bud by rubbing the stems and bud between your hands. Use a screen large enough to allow the bud to pass through, leaving the stems and leaves on the screen. You can then use the cleaned lavender for cooking or crafts. Here's one way of using lavender in your kitchen or for gifts, so plan ahead!
Lavender Sugar ~ flavor sugar by burying a few sprigs or bud in a bowl of sugar, and let the mixture sit for few weeks; this makes a sweet gift! Place lavender sugar in a small glass jar. Add a jar with ring and cover with tulle or cotton print. Tie with a pretty bow and add a silver teaspoon for serving into a delicious cup of tea!
