What to Do With Lavender Plant: Growing, Harvesting, and Uses
What to Do With Lavender Plant?
There are many things you can do with a lavender plant.
Traditionally, lavender has been used in floral arrangements, making lavender oil, and creating dried lavender wreaths.
It can also be used for homekeeping purposes and has germ-fighting properties.
Additionally, lavender can be used in desserts, grilled entrees, and beverages, adding a unique and fragrant flavor.
Furthermore, you can create lavender bouquets or dry lavender for use on its own or mixed with other dried flowers.
For a practical use, you can make DIY hand sanitizer using lavender essential oil or a combination of vodka, lavender essential oil, tea tree or peppermint oil, and aloe vera gel.
Key Points:
- Lavender plant can be used for floral arrangements, making lavender oil, and creating dried lavender wreaths.
- It has germ-fighting properties and can be used for homekeeping purposes.
- Lavender can add a unique and fragrant flavor to desserts, grilled entrees, and beverages.
- It can be used to create lavender bouquets or mixed with other dried flowers.
- Lavender essential oil can be used to make DIY hand sanitizer.
- A combination of vodka, lavender essential oil, tea tree or peppermint oil, and aloe vera gel can also be used to make hand sanitizer.
Did You Know?
1. The use of lavender dates back over 2,500 years to ancient Egypt, where it was used in the embalming process and for perfumes.
2. Lavender plants can help deter insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and moths due to their strong and distinct scent.
3. Did you know that lavender is in the same plant family as mint? It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes rosemary, thyme, and basil.
4. Lavender has been used for centuries for its calming properties. In fact, studies have shown that inhaling lavender oil can decrease anxiety and promote relaxation.
5. The color of lavender flowers can vary depending on the pH of the soil. They tend to be bluer in more alkaline soil and pinkish-purple in more acidic soil.
Traditional Floral Arrangements
Lavender, known for its delicate purple blooms and intoxicating fragrance, is a popular choice for traditional floral arrangements. Incorporating lavender into your floral displays can bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home or special event.
One way to use lavender in traditional floral arrangements is to mix it with other complementary flowers, such as roses or baby’s breath. The combination of lavender’s soft purple hues and the vibrant colors of other flowers creates a visually pleasing arrangement. The sweet scent of lavender also helps to create a calming atmosphere in any room.
Another option is to create a bouquet using only lavender. By carefully selecting different shades of lavender varieties, you can create a chic and timeless monochromatic arrangement. To add depth and texture, consider including different types of foliage, such as eucalyptus or ferns.
When arranging lavender, it’s important to consider the size of the blooms and the height of the stems. Longer stems are ideal for tall vases, while shorter stems can be used for smaller, more compact arrangements. Trim the stems and remove excess leaves before placing them in water to ensure the longevity of your lavender floral arrangement.
- Mix lavender with complementary flowers for a visually pleasing arrangement
- Create a monochromatic bouquet by selecting different shades of lavender
- Add depth and texture with different types of foliage
- Consider stem length and vase size for proper arrangement
- Trim stems and remove excess leaves for longer-lasting blooms
Making Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is well-known for its numerous benefits, including its soothing properties and relaxing aroma. Making lavender oil at home allows you to harness the power of this versatile plant for various purposes.
To begin, harvest fresh lavender flowers when they are in full bloom. Remember to choose flowers that have not been treated with pesticides or chemicals. Once you have gathered enough flowers, remove the flower heads from the stems and place them in a glass jar.
Cover the lavender flowers with a carrier oil, such as almond oil or jojoba oil, ensuring they are completely submerged. Seal the jar and place it in a warm spot, like a sunny windowsill, for about two weeks. During this time, the oil will infuse with the lavender fragrance.
After the two-week period, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove any plant matter. Transfer the oil to a dark glass bottle to protect it from light, as sunlight can degrade the oil’s quality. Your homemade lavender oil is now ready to use in a variety of applications, including massage oils, bath products, and calming room sprays.
- Harvest fresh lavender flowers when in full bloom
- Remove flower heads from stems
- Cover flowers with carrier oil
- Infuse for two weeks in a warm spot
- Strain oil to remove plant matter
- Transfer to a dark glass bottle
- Use in massage oils, bath products, and room sprays
“Making lavender oil at home allows you to harness the power of this versatile plant for various purposes.”
Creating Dried Lavender Wreaths
Dried lavender wreaths are a wonderful way to showcase the natural beauty and fragrance of this versatile plant. These wreaths can be used to adorn your front door, as centerpieces for special occasions, or as decorative pieces in any room of your home.
To create a dried lavender wreath, start by harvesting fresh lavender flowers when they are at their peak. Bundle several stems together with a rubber band and hang them upside down in a cool, dark location. Allow them to air dry for about two weeks, or until the flowers are fully dried and the stems are stiff.
Once the lavender stems are dried, remove the rubber bands and arrange them into small bundles. Secure the bundles with floral wire, making sure to leave long ends for attaching them to the wreath base. Next, attach the bundles to a sturdy grapevine wreath base by wrapping the wire around the stems and securing it to the base.
Continue attaching the dried lavender bundles to the wreath base, overlapping them slightly to create a full and lush appearance. Once all the bundles are attached, trim any excess stems or wire. Finally, add a ribbon or bow for a finishing touch.
A dried lavender wreath not only brings the calming scent of lavender into your space but also serves as a beautiful and long-lasting decoration that can be enjoyed for months or even years.
Homekeeping
Lavender has long been used in homekeeping practices due to its natural cleaning and refreshing properties. Incorporating lavender into your cleaning routine can create a pleasant and calming environment while effectively tackling household chores.
One popular way to use lavender for homekeeping is to create lavender-infused cleaning solutions. To make a lavender all-purpose cleaner, simply combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and shake well before using. This mixture is effective for cleaning countertops, mirrors, and other surfaces.
Lavender sachets are another useful item for homekeeping. These small cloth bags filled with dried lavender flowers can be placed in closets, drawers, or even under pillows to freshen and deodorize your home naturally. Lavender sachets not only emit a pleasant scent but also act as a natural moth repellent, keeping your belongings safe from damage.
In addition to its cleaning and deodorizing properties, lavender can also be used to create homemade air fresheners. Combine water, rubbing alcohol, and lavender essential oil in a spray bottle for a refreshing and uplifting aroma. This homemade air freshener can be spritzed in any room, leaving behind a subtle fragrance.
By incorporating lavender into your homekeeping routine, you can infuse your living spaces with a sense of tranquility and cleanliness while avoiding harsh chemicals often found in commercial cleaning products.
Germ-Fighting
Besides its beautiful fragrance, lavender also possesses antimicrobial properties that make it a valuable ingredient in germ-fighting solutions. By using lavender-infused products, you can help protect yourself and your family from harmful bacteria and viruses.
One effective way to utilize lavender for germ-fighting is by creating a DIY hand sanitizer using lavender essential oil. Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil or coconut oil, in a small bottle. Apply a small amount to your hands and rub them together until dry. The lavender oil will not only keep your hands clean but also leave them pleasantly scented.
For a more potent germ-fighting solution, consider making a homemade hand sanitizer using a combination of vodka, lavender essential oil, tea tree or peppermint oil, and aloe vera gel. Mix these ingredients together in a small bottle, shake well, and apply a small amount to your hands. This DIY hand sanitizer will effectively kill germs while providing a soothing and aromatic experience.
Incorporating lavender into your germ-fighting routine not only helps protect against harmful pathogens but also provides a natural and gentle alternative to conventional sanitizing products that may contain harsh chemicals.
- Using lavender-infused products helps protect against harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Create a DIY hand sanitizer by mixing lavender essential oil with a carrier oil.
- For a more potent solution, combine lavender essential oil, vodka, tea tree or peppermint oil, and aloe vera gel.
- Lavender offers a natural and gentle alternative to conventional sanitizing products.
“the lavender plant offers a myriad of possibilities for those seeking traditional and versatile uses. From creating beautiful floral arrangements and wreaths to producing lavender oil and incorporating its beneficial properties into your homekeeping and germ-fighting routines, lavender can enhance various aspects of your life. Whether you are a flower enthusiast or an avid practitioner of natural remedies, the lavender plant is sure to captivate your senses and provide endless possibilities.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use a lavender plant for?
Lavender plants offer a variety of uses beyond just their delightful aroma. The plant’s soothing properties can be utilized to soothe wounds and relieve pain, making it a helpful addition to any garden first-aid kit. Additionally, lavender can also help reduce hair loss, making it a natural remedy for those struggling with thinning hair.
What can you make with fresh lavender?
Fresh lavender can be used to create a variety of delightful items. One option is to make a shower bundle by tying a bunch of lavender stems together and hanging them in the shower. The steam from the shower will release the calming scent of lavender, creating a relaxing and aromatic shower experience. Additionally, you can make lavender soap, homemade candles, bath salts, and even use lavender for gift wrapping. With its soothing properties and pleasant fragrance, fresh lavender offers an array of possibilities for enhancing self-care routines and creating thoughtful gifts for loved ones.
What to do with a lavender plant after it blooms?
After a lavender plant blooms, it is essential to prune it for optimal growth. The recommended pruning times are shortly after the first flowering and later in August after the final blossoms have faded. To prune properly, trim approximately 2/3 of the plant’s height or just above the bottom two sets of leaves on each stem, being cautious not to cut into the woody section to avoid causing any harm. By pruning at these intervals, you can ensure the lavender plant’s vitality and encourage healthy regrowth for future blooming seasons.
Can I eat lavender leaves?
Yes, lavender leaves can be consumed. They offer a delightful, slightly bitter taste. Lavender is found in various regions including southern Europe, Australia, and the United States. If you’re watching your calorie intake, dried lavender is a wise choice, as it contains only a small number of calories per tablespoon and is completely free of fat and cholesterol.