Bench Card

Lavender munstead makes an excellent cut or dried flower. Dwarf variety grows 12-14" tall. Very fragrant, producing spikes of purple flowers in the summer. Plant in well-drained soil. Drought tolerant. Excellent in hedges, or for mass plantings. Use leaves in salads, vinegars, oils, sachets, flower arrangements, and wreaths.

Lavender has been used for centuries in sachets to repel moths in clothing drawers and also discourages fleas, flies and aphids. The oil is said to have a calming affect to reduce tension and encourage sleepiness. It is said to keep evil from your door. This herb has many medicinal, culinary and beauty uses. In the Middle Ages, people wore pouches of lavender around their necks to fend off various foul odors.

For use in bouquets or fresh arrangements, cut sprigs when the flower heads are 50% bloomed and if used for sachets or dried arrangments, harvest when 75% of flowers are in bloom.  The easiest way to dry lavender is to cut the spikes at least 6" below where the flower head ends.  Tie in bunches of 5-7 spikes by the stems with string and hang where it will not get direct sunlight and has little wind.  It may take 2 weeks or more to dry.  Then you can remove the flowers to use in sachets.

Companions to -- Most garden plants