One of my favorite things to do in summertime, is harvest lavender! I grow a little bit in our flower bed for making syrup for beverages. I also enjoy visiting a local lavender farm for “you-pick” days.

Did you know?

Lavender flowers symbolize purity, serenity, grace and devotion. They’re associated with healing, spritual awareness, calmness, royalty, luxury, sophistication and elegance. It gets its name from the Latin word for “wash”. The Romans used lavender to scent their baths, clothes and hair.

**garden lavender**

**It’s so easy to grow and usually lasts through the winter here in Tennessee. The scent is lovely and this beautiful plant comes back every year (depending on the kind of winter we have).**

**dried goodness**

They say to harvest lavender when some of the buds have started to flower. First, I give them a gentle rinse and place on a paper towel to dry out a little. I cut the stems, tie a piece of twine around a bunch of them and hang them upside down from a kitchen cabinet knob or chandelier for a few days until they’re completely dried. Simply use your fingers to gently remove the buds from the stems.

**syrup**

**recipe:**
**1 cup sugar**
**1 cup water**
**2 tbsp lavender petals**
place ingredients into a small pot over low heat, stir occasionally until sugar dissolves, turn off heat and cover, steep for about 5-10 minutes, strain lavender and store in airtight container in the refrigerator.

**my favorite way**

**Stirring in homemade lavender syrup into my morning coffee is my favorite way to enjoy this amazing plant!**

**blueberry lavender smoothie**

**Another yummy way to enjoy lavender syrup is to add it to your smoothie!**
**recipe:**
**vanilla yogurt**
**blueberries**
**lavender syrup**
**vanilla**
**fresh grated ginger**
**cinnnamon**
**lemon juice**
**pistachios**
**plain kefir**
**ice**
**add all ingredients to a blender and whiz up this gorgeous color and delicious treat**

lavender shortbread cookies

I didn’t make them this summer, but have in recent years. These are so mouthwateringly delicious!

pinterest

Lookout Lavender

In June, my friends and I drove up to this beautiful farm to enjoy “all things lavender”. They have “you pick” days, (in season…check their website) where you may cut a bunch of these pretty flowers, purchase cold beverages from an adorable tea trailer (most with lavender as an ingredient…I had the lavender latte and it was scrumptious!) There is a large tent with all sorts of lavender products to buy and a little freezer with Clumpies’ blueberry lavender ice cream for purchase!

Lookout Lavender

Chei-Man Tea

Clumpies