I know I’m not alone when I say lavender is one of my favorite herbs. I think it’s because of its soothing scent and all the surprising uses and benefits it holds. But to be a long-term keeper of this amazing plant and all its awesomeness, you first have to know how to prune it. It’s something we normally wouldn’t even think about when we decide to buy a plant.
The process of trimming and shaping not only promotes their health but also unlocks so many possibilities.
Thankfully, the journey doesn’t end with pruning alone. Once shaped into its best form, it becomes a useful companion in so many aspects of our lives. From comfort food to DIY crafts and home remedies, lavender’s charm extends far beyond our humble herb gardens.
Now, let’s discover how to promote a flourishing lavender garden, and how to bring this fragrant herb into our daily lives in 17 fun, easy, and beneficial ways.
Lavender Pruning Guide
Pruning lavender is a vital skill to learn since lavender thrives when it’s properly pruned. This is something I didn’t know when I first started this homesteading thing; as a result, I sadly missed out on getting the maximum benefits from my plant and ultimately failed it.
Amazingly enough, this plant can live up to 30 years if cared for correctly, so let’s learn how to do just that.
Different Varieties:
Lavender comes in different varieties, each with their own unique features.
Here are some of the most common types you may have or want to have growing in your garden:
- English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Native to the Mediterranean, it’s the most popular form of lavender plant mostly due to its hardiness and lovely smell. Not to mention, it’s the goto species for culinary purposes.
- French Lavender (Lavandula dentata): This type surprisingly originated in Spain instead of France and is also known as “toothed Lavender” because its leaves are delicately toothed. It’s known for its aromatic foliage and flowers, which are often used in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications.
- Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): This easy-to-grow plant is more drought-tolerant, and less frost-resistant than its various counterparts which means it thrives in the summer months very well but may need extra love and care in the colder months.
When to Prune Lavender:
Timing is crucial when deciding to prune Lavender. The best time to prune is right after the first flowering, and again in the late summer (end of August) once the plant has stopped producing flowers. A general rule of thumb, regardless of which zone you’re in, is to prune at least 6 weeks before the first frost in your zone. This provides plenty of time for your plant to prepare for the winter.
Pruning Techniques- Step-by-Step Guide:
So now that we know that, how exactly do we prune lavender? Let’s discuss!
Step #1: Assess and Remove Dead Growth:
In this step, we remove all dead or damaged stems. It’s pretty easy to tell when they’re dead. They’ll have no sign of life and will instead be brown and hollow. A quick bend will be the tell-tale sign as they will snap easily when bent. This part is essential as you want your plants to look as healthy and beautiful as possible and if you have these dead stems it will not be as appealing to the eye nor as healthy.
Step #2: Shape the Lavender Bush:
When you’re pruning, you want to shape it to allow sunlight and air circulation. A great way to do this is to prune it in a rounded or mound shape. This allows the sunlight in and new growth will start popping up lower down on the stems, which is exactly what we’re going for. Here is an example of a plant that has been pruned in a rounded shape:
Step #3: Trim Flower Stems:
Gently pruning spent flower stems invites new growth, which lengthens the lavender’s blooming season. This practice enriches the visual appeal of your garden and creates a landscape embellished with neatly trimmed stems. This step can be done as needed throughout the blooming season, typically from late spring to early fall.
Step #4: Cut Back Overgrown Lavender:
For overgrown plants, a healing cut is always the remedy. Pruning back overgrown branches revives the plant and brings back its natural form. This step ensures a healthier, more lively lavender plant, ready to flourish wherever it’s planted.
Addressing Common Pruning Mistakes:
Before you get started, we should probably discuss some common mistakes made when pruning lavender. These mistakes can slow the growth of your plant or worse.
- Over-Pruning:
- Be careful not to over-prune as it may stress the plant and hinder the potential for future blooms. Striking a balance in pruning practices ensures the well-being and fruitful blooming of your plant.
- Late Fall Pruning:
- Be sure not to prune in the late fall, as new growth could be vulnerable in the face of winter frost. Pruning at the right time increases the chance that lavender enters winter with strength, ready to let loose its beauty in future seasons.
- Neglecting Tool Maintenance:
- Before pruning, do an inventory check on pruning tools. Make sure your tools are sharp and clean. Regular maintenance of your tools helps make sure cuts are defined and also reduces stress on the lavender plant, which helps the plant be more strong and healthy.
By mastering these pruning techniques, you can grow healthy, thriving herbs that improve both the beauty of your gardens and the aromatic mood around you.
17 Creative Ways to Use Lavender
Now that we know how to develop healthy shrubs through thoughtful pruning, it’s time to explore the multitude of ways to bring this awesome plant into our daily lives. From tasty culinary creations to inspirational DIY projects, lavender becomes not just a garden treasure but a handy companion in countless aspects of our lives.
Culinary Creations:
Take advantage of the culinary possibilities of lavender by infusing it into delicious recipes that you already know. There are so many to choose from but some of my favorites are:
Lavender-Infused Desserts:
1) Lavender Shortbread Cookies:
For these cookies, we love using this recipe. We use unsalted butter and sea salt when preparing these delicious cookies.
2) Lavender Lemon Bars:
Here is a popular recipe to use and add your creativity to. For an extra touch of flavor and visual charm, you could add a sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest and a few lavender flowers on top of the lemon bars right before serving. This simple addition not only brings out the citrusy taste but also adds a vivid pop of color to your dessert.
3) Lavender Honey Ice Cream:
This is a simple recipe that the kids would be excited about. Not to mention, it’s refreshing to know what goes into your desserts.
Things you need:
- 1.5 cups of heavy cream
- 1.5 cups of milk
- 0.5 cups of organic honey
- 2 tablespoons of dried lavender from your garden
- a non-stick saucepan
- an ice cream maker.
- Natural food dye for optional color.
Instructions:
- Step #1: Add all ingredients to your non-stick saucepan and cook on medium heat until the mixture is steaming. (Be sure to stir occasionally.)
- Step #2: Once the honey is completely dissolved into the mixture, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Step #3: Using a fine mesh strainer, separate the liquid from the solids. (The solids can be added to your compost pile, discarded, or given to your chickens or pigs as it’s just going to be pieces of the plant left behind.)
- Step #4: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for up to an hour before placing it into the ice cream maker.
- Step #5: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for making the ice cream. (This is where you will add the optional all-natural food dye.)
- Step #6: ENJOY!
Savory Lavender Delights for the Main Dish:
4) Lavender-infused roast chicken:
For this one, you can get creative. Use your usual roasted chicken recipe (or find one you like online) and simply add about a cup of fresh lavender -OR- you can create a glaze for your roasted chicken using organic honey, lavender, and the herbs of your choice.
5) Lavender-infused olive oil for drizzling:
This is an all-purpose infused oil that you can use on just about anything to add some natural flavor to your meal.
Things you need:
- 2 cups of light olive oil like this one
- 1 cup of fresh lavender
- a medium saucepan
Instructions:
- Step #1: Bring oil and lavender mixture to a simmer and reduce heat to low or whatever temp keeps it at a simmer. Keep the mixture simmering for around 20 minutes.
- Step #2: Remove from heat.
- Step #3: Put a lid on the pan and let it sit overnight.
- Step #4: Strain the mixture into a condiment storage container for later use.
6) Lavender-infused grilled vegetables:
Similar to the lavender-infused roasted chicken, you can let your creative juices flow.
- Step #1: Mix 3 tbsp olive oil, about 1 tsp of chopped lavender flower fresh or dried, 0.5 tsp of sea salt, and a few other herbs of choice (oregano, thyme, or rosemary work best).
- Step #2: Place washed vegetables on a large sheet of tin foil.
- Step #3: Drizzle the herb/olive oil mixture over your vegetables and toss to coat.
- Step #4: Fold tin foil up making sure it is good and sealed.
- Step #5: Place the vegetables on the grill and grill for 30 minutes, flipping every 10 minutes to ensure they are evenly cooked.
These are just a few ways to experience the culinary aspects of your very own herbs. There are so many more to explore. A simple Google search will reveal plenty of other recipes to try. Alternatively, you can take recipes you’re already experienced with and add a touch of lavender to them.
Aromatherapy and Home Fragrance:
Use your creativity to improve the feel of your living spaces with the calming scent of lavender. This is where it gets fun with the ability to create an endless number of aromatherapy scents.
7) Homemade Sachets:
- Gather dried lavender buds and small fabric squares.
- Place a handful of buds in the center of a fabric square.
- Close the fabric over the lavender and secure it with a piece of ribbon or twine. You can also sew the squares together, like in the photo above, if you’re comfortable with sewing.
- Repeat for additional sachets.
- Place the sachets in closets, drawers, or other spaces for a lovely natural fragrance. Enjoy the calming scent all around your home!
8) Potpourri Blends:
- Step #1: Start with dried lavender buds as the base for your potpourri.
- Step #2: Mix in dried herbs and flowers that compliment lavender such as rose petals, chamomile, or dried citrus peels.
- Step #3: If you want a stronger scent, you can add a few drops of essential oil. (Optional)
- Step #4: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
Store your homemade potpourri in decorative jars or sachets to enjoy throughout your home. Try experimenting with different combinations to create unique scents that are personalized to your preferences!
9) DIY Room Spray:
Having the power to create your own room spray is refreshing because then you know what you and your family are breathing. As long as you use natural ingredients, you don’t have to allow your health to suffer so the house can smell good. This recipe doesn’t exactly use fresh lavender but it’s a great recipe to replace room spray filled with harmful chemicals.
Things You Need:
- 0.5 cups distilled water
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel or vodka (acts as a preservative).
- 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil
- Small spray bottle like this one.
Instructions:
- Step #1: In the small spray bottle, combine the distilled water and witch hazel or vodka.
- Step #2: Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil to the bottle.
- Step #3: Close the bottle tightly and shake well to blend the ingredients.
- Step #4: Store the room spray in a cool, dark place for at least 24 hours to allow the scent to develop.
Shake the bottle before each use, then spray lightly into the air to freshen up any room with the calming scent of lavender. Adjust the number of drops of essential oil to achieve your desired level of fragrance strength. Enjoy the soothing atmosphere it creates!
Natural Remedies and Beauty Products:
Reduce the risk of chemicals by unlocking the therapeutic properties of lavender in homemade wellness products:
10) Lavender-Infused Oil for Skincare:
Things you need:
- 1 cup carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, or I use fractioned coconut oil. Find an organic brand like this one.)
- 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers or 1/2 cup fresh lavender flowers.
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- 16 oz Mason Jar.
- Bottle to hold your oil.
Instructions:
- Step #1: Sterilize a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Step #2: Place 1/4 cup dried or 1/2 cup fresh lavender flowers in the jar.
- Step #3: Warm 1 cup carrier oil in a saucepan.
- Step #4: Pour the warm oil over the lavender in the jar.
- Step #5: Stir to distribute the flowers evenly.
- Step #6: Seal the jar and let it infuse for 1-2 weeks in a cool, dark place. The longer the better.
- Step #7: Strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Step #8: Transfer the strained oil to a clean, sterilized bottle.
- Step #9: Use as a body oil, massage oil, or bath oil for relaxation and skincare.
11) Salve for Minor Ailments:
This all-natural, homemade salve can be used for anything from minor cuts/scrapes to minor aches and pains, plus it’s easy to make!
Things you need:
- 1/2 cup dried lavender flowers
- 1-quart mason jar
- 1 cup carrier oil (e.g., olive, sweet almond, or fractioned coconut oil. Links for each of these are in the recipe above.)
- 2 tbsp beeswax pellets or you can grate your own bars of beeswax
- 15-20 drops of lavender essential oil (optional for an extra lavender punch.)
- Saucepan or a double boiler. I use this one.
- Small containers for salve
Instructions:
- Step #1: Sterilize a glass jar and add dried flowers.
- Step #2: Warm carrier oil in a saucepan and pour over lavender.
- Step #3: Seal and infuse for 1-2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Step #4: Strain out the flowers and return the oil to the saucepan.
- Step #5: Add beeswax, melt, and stir.
- Step #6: Remove from heat, add optional essential oil, and mix.
- Step #7: Pour into clean containers and let cool to solidify.
Apply this salve as needed for minor cuts, burns, dry skin, and more. Be sure to store it in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
Lavender in Your Hair Care Regime:
Lavender has so many benefits for your hair care routine, from promoting scalp health and hair growth to providing stress relief and aromatherapy.
12) Lavender-infused shampoo:
- Step #1: Start by brewing a strong lavender tea using 1 cup of dried lavender flowers and hot water.
- Step #2: Let the tea steep for at least 30 minutes to extract the beneficial properties of the lavender.
- Step #3: Strain the tea and allow it to cool completely.
- Step #4: Mix the tea with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo in a 1:1 ratio.
- Step #5: Shake well to combine and use as you would regular shampoo.
This infusion will provide a soothing scent and potentially provide benefits like scalp stimulation and hair strengthening.
13) Hair Oil:
- Step #1: Combine 1 cup of dried lavender flowers with carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil.
- Step #2: Add the mixture to a pint-sized mason jar.
- Step #3: Let the mixture infuse in a warm spot for 1-2 weeks, shaking occasionally to distribute the fragrance.
- Step #4: Strain out the flowers and transfer the infused oil to a clean, sterilized bottle.
To use, apply a small amount of the lavender-infused oil to your fingertips and massage it into your scalp and hair, focusing on dry or damaged areas. Leave the oil in for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a deep conditioning treatment, then shampoo and rinse as usual. This oil helps moisturize the scalp, conditions the hair and promotes relaxation with its calming aroma.
14) Hair Rinse:
- Brew a strong lavender tea using dried lavender flowers and hot water, as described above.
- Allow the tea to cool completely, then pour it over your hair as a final rinse after shampooing.
- Massage the lavender-infused rinse into your scalp and hair, then rinse thoroughly with water.
- This rinse helps to clarify the hair, soothe the scalp, and leaves behind a light lavender scent.
Incorporating this lovely herb into your homemade hair care products can add a luxurious touch to your routine while providing potential benefits for scalp health, hair strength, and overall relaxation. Experiment with these ideas to discover the perfect hair care regimen for you!
Lavender in Crafts:
Encourage creativity with lavender in a variety of crafting projects:
15) Lavender Wreaths:
You can create stunning wreaths with the fragrant beauty of lavender.
Things you need:
- Fresh lavender (including the stems)
- A wreath base
- Scissors
- Floral wire
- Ribbon
Instructions:
- Step #1: Shape the wreath base into a circular form, ensuring it’s sturdy and sized to your preference.
- Step #2: Prepare your herb: harvest fresh stems when fully bloomed and pliable; if using dried flowers, ensure they’re really dry.
- Step #3: Attach the stems to the wreath base, working around its circumference and overlapping the stems slightly for a full appearance.
- Step #4: Secure the stems to the base using floral wire, wrapping it around both the stems and the base to hold them firmly in place.
- Step #5: Trim any excess stems or wire to tidy up the wreath’s appearance.
- Step #6: If desired, add a decorative ribbon or twine loop to the top of the wreath for hanging.
- Step #7: If using fresh lavender, hang the wreath in a cool, dry place to air dry naturally.
- Step #8: Once dry (if applicable), display your fragrant wreath proudly in your home, and enjoy its beauty and aroma!
16) Lavender-Infused Candles:
Level up the atmosphere in your home with the soothing scent of lavender by crafting your own non-toxic, lavender-scented candles. I will leave a link for each of the products I personally use and vouch for.
Things you need:
- Beeswax
- Lavender essential oil
- Candle wicks
- Candle Containers
- Double boiler
- Lavender flowers out of your garden for decoration
Instructions:
- Step #1: Melt the wax pellets in a double boiler until just melted. Be sure to monitor the process constantly and stir frequently.
- Step #2: Remove from heat and stir in 15-20 drops of lavender essential oil for fragrance.
- Step #3: Press flowers up against the edge of the container.
- Step #4: Place the candle wicks in your candle containers and carefully pour the scented wax into each container. (You can press additional flowers into the top of the candle when it begins to harden.)
- Step #5: Allow the candles to cool and harden completely before trimming the wicks and enjoying the calming aroma of lavender throughout your home.
17) Dried Lavender Bouquets:
Explore your creativity by crafting a charming bouquet using fresh stems:
- Step #1: Harvest fresh lavender stems when the flowers are in full bloom.
- Step #2: Tie the stems together with twine or ribbon in small bunches.
- Step #3: Hang the bunches upside down in a cool, dry place to air dry for several weeks.
- Step #4: Arrange the lavender bunches in vases or wrap them with decorative paper for gifting.
Enjoy the beauty and fragrance of your dried lavender bouquets in your home or share them with loved ones as gifts for special occasions or just to show you care.
Embracing the Lavender Lifestyle
As we wrap up this informative journey, let’s not forget its potential influence on our lives. Keeping it pruned to perfection is the key to celebrating not only gardening but a lifestyle enriched by its calming aroma. Whether in the garden, kitchen, or home, it is a timeless companion, making our lives more interesting with its peaceful aroma. Get started today by experiencing all the surprises that this herb has to offer.