Drought-tolerant and easy to grow, lavender is a natural for the summer garden. Best of all, you can savor its fragrance now and through next spring, when it blooms again.
Cut stems or spikes well below blossoms at midday, when blooms are free of dew and flowers are most fragrant. For best results, cut just as blossoms show color. Tie in bunches with ribbon, hang upside down in a warm, well-ventilated room, out of direct sunlight. A spare closet works well.
To get inspired, you might want to take in the
on July 9-10, and visit some of a long list of
.
If that's not enough, Sequim, Wash., has its
and
on July 15-17. For information, read travel writer
.
If you're interested in lavender for crafts, here are some links to get you started.
Cooking with lavender:
For a detailed story on growing and propagating lavender, and which lavenders to use for which purposes:
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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