Provence Lavender

Many have tried to define the magic of Provence, but it is not one single thing, it is many, many glorious things together.

“Provence is one of the great garden destinations of the world. It is a special place where the beauty of its natural landscape has magically mingled with civilizations for centuries, and the beauty keeps on radiating.” —Bonnie Jo Manion

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

St. Francis Amongst the Provence Lavender

In a quiet spot in my garden accompanied by St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment, I have two rows of Provence lavender growing. For my lavender, it is usually the end of June, beginning of July, when the lavender spikes begin to flower and it is time to harvest for drying. I don’t harvest all the lavender, so as to save some of the lavender for the bees, butterflies, and pollination.

Lavender spikes are ready to harvest when the bottom third of the spike starts to bloom. Make sure lavender spikes are totally dry and not wet from morning dew. Gather your lavender spikes in bundles, tie together with twine, and hang upside down on a wire hanger. I use a simple paperclip to secure my lavender bunch to the hanger. For a small amount of lavender bundles, hang in a dark, dry place with air circulation, like a guest bedroom closet. Place a towel or cloth under your lavender bunches to catch any lavender that drops. Drying in a dark space or closet will preserve the color of the lavender flowers, which will dry in 8 to 10 days. Rub your dried flower heads together over a sieve to separate anything other than your prized lavender buds. Store in an airtight glass jar, either tinted or in a dark pantry. Dried lavender will keep their flavor for culinary use, for many years, but I try and harvest enough lavender buds to last me until next year.

Lavender plants need to be cut back to beautiful mound shapes each year once harvest and their bloom time is over. Cut back your lavender plants by about one half in size and just above their woody stems. This will rejuvenate your lavender plants for the following year.

Hanging Provence Lavender Ready For Drying

Provence lavender is one of the preferred culinary lavenders due to its very low camphor level, and pleasing lavender flavor. So versatile, it can be used in sweet or savory recipes. Think Lavender Sugar, Honey Lavender Ice Cream, Lavender Lemonade, Raspberry Scones with Lavender Glaze, Herbs de Provence, Lavender Balsamic Vinegar, Grilled Lamb with Lavender, and more!

Harvested Dried Lavender

Provence lavender is also a very good landscape lavender known for it’s beauty and fragrance. Planted in mass, it could be a stunning focal point in your garden. Drip irrigation works best, and water in moderation.

With all of these attributes, why not add Provence lavender to your garden.