Flower of the Month: Lavender

Each month I highlight a different flower and how it can be used in floral design. This month’s flower is the wonderfully fragrant lavender.

Each July my front yard comes alive with a gentle hum of dozens of bees moving in and out of the lavender bushes.

I try to harvest early in the morning. That way, I don’t disturb as many bees and the flowers’ fragrance is the strongest.

When harvesting for drying, you can harvest when the first few flower buds are open, as pictured above.

When harvesting for fresh bouquets, you can wait until the flowers are a little more open, as pictured below.

Ultimately, lavender is pretty forgiving. Even if you harvest it later, it will still smell amazing when dried.

My first year drying lavender, I was meticulous about removing the leaves and making sure I had clean bundles of stems. While this is helpful for when you want to keep the dried bunches intact, it doesn’t matter as much if you’re just after the dried flower buds.

Now, I still remove some leaves to keep the bundles smaller, but my bundles are a lot more casual.

Dry lavender in bunches hanging upside-down in a dark, cool space. Keeping it out of the light will help preserve its color better.

Lavender is so versatile. Fresh, dried, by itself, or with other flowers…it’s hard to go wrong! Personally, I love pairing it with sunflowers for a “summer in Provence” look.

The bees love it too! Even after I harvest the lavender, I still see bees buzzing around the basket or the vase.

If you’re in California, lavender grows well as a perennial in our Mediterranean climate. Even one bush can produce an abundance of blooms!

And stepping outside in the morning amidst bees and birdsong is a peaceful way to start the day.

One of the best things about local flowers is how fresh and seasonal they are. Every July I get excited because it’s lavender season. Local flowers help us stay connected to nature’s rhythms. Each year when a new season starts, it’s cause for celebration.

Why not celebrate today? Order fresh, local blooms for yourself or a friend!