I harvested my first basket of Lavender flowers last evening after the sun finally moved off and I could stand to be out there. I have a big patch of Lavender - around 40 or so mature plants and several smaller ones that I set last August. I try to expand by at least a few plants every year. The smell is so heady that it is almost over powering in this extreme heat. Another few days, and I will be able to cut the long stemmed varieties and begin weaving my Lavender wands.
This batch will be stripped of it's leaves, and made into bundles and hung on wires in my craft room to dry. Once they are dry, they will be stripped from their stems, sifted many times to remove any leaf or stem particles and then the dried buds will be stored in gallon glass jars, ready for sachet making or adding to soaps. Like everything on the homestead, it takes time, effort and patience. When it's almost 100 degrees out it takes self-discipline too - I don't know how many times I have to kick myself in the butt to get out there and get started. But the funny thing about that - once I get started, it flows along and I enjoy the work. Doing the task at hand is less difficult than talking myself into it! Now I'm off to get those bundles made and hung up.....time's a wasting and produce waits for no one.
Oh Sheri, I can almost smell them in Missouri. I love your wands. I wish I could get lavender to grow here but I can't...tried many times. I love to make little lavender sachets and put in with my washed wool, the wool smells so good and relaxing while I spin.
ReplyDeleteStay cool girl...if you can.