Drying Lavender | Photo by Nefi
It’s time to harvest and dry the lavender from my garden. For the best looking lavender, which can be used in dried flower arrangements, the flowers should be picked in the height of bloom. Mine will be used in sachets or poppets so I have left the blooms on the plant beyond the ideal time. Personally, I love the way they look growing in the garden and didn’t want to pick them while the bees were enjoying them.
This morning I will begin by gathering all the lavender flower stems from the garden.
Next, I will fasten them into a bundle and will tie them with colored ribbon. I haven’t decided what color I will use yet. Either white as a generic color representing the god and goddess. If I have yellow ribbon, I will use that, as it is symbolizes the element of air, which I will now need to carefully dry the herbs ensuring there is no moisture or mold to taint them.
All herbs should be hung to dry in a cool, dry place. For lavender, a dark place is also recommended as they hold their color better when kept out of the sun. A closet or garage (so long as it isn’t damp) will work.
Although lavender stems are pretty ridged already, I will hang them upside-down to ensure they hold their shape.
I will leave them drying for two weeks, checking on them periodically to make sure they are still well fastened by the ribbon. You can also hold them in place with a rubberband for a firmer grip, and simply tie the colored ribbon over the band.
As I tie the herbs with my yellow ribbon, I say the following words:
“With this yellow ribbon,
Around these herbs I tie.
To the element of air,
I ask for blessings as they dry.”
Lavender in a French Market | Photo by Gnuru
