I've always had a special affinity with lavender, but believed it "couldn't" be grown in this climate (Eastern Ontario, with its long winters). I'm so happily proved wrong. Apparently, it only needs a warm wall and a little neglect. This year my plant was bushy enough for harvesting and I've been attacking it with scissors. Alas, I didn't get a picture when it was in its full glory...it was a sight to behold.
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| Lavender bundles, hanging out with the pots and pans |
Lavender is easy to dry and keeps its colour and fragrance for a surprisingly long time.
1) The secret to keeping its colour is to protect it from sunlight. 2) The secret to keeping its shape is to hang it upside down. 3) The secret to keeping its fragrance is storing it in airtight containers.
I've been hanging lavender bundles in paper bags to dry, then moving it to ziplocks to await its fate.
Thanks for the tips. My lavender is doing great as well and has really spread this year. I would be quite content if my whole front yard were full of this stuff. It is truly delightful.
ReplyDeleteSee! It can even be grown up on the Shield! It seems that you can't kill the stuff! Is your lavender in your front garden? I seem to remember it being dry and full of sunlight—the perfect spot.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about a garden full! Would an acre even be enough for our crafts purposes?