Lavender brings life to the garden with its vibrant purple hues and a fragrance that puts perfumes to shame.
A sun-loving superstar that attracts bees and butterflies while keeping pesky insects at bay, it thrives in well-drained sandy soil. This botanical diva is also waterwise and prolific, making it a perfect choice for pots or garden beds.
Lavender uses
- Lavender has been a healing hero for centuries. Its antispasmodic, antiseptic and antibacterial powers, make it the ultimate first-aider to treat cuts, burns, stings and bruises.
- Add a touch of finely chopped lavender leaves and flowers to stews, soups, roasted veggies or even rice – for a hint of perfume.
- Lavender water has been around forever, and can be used as perfume or a hair rinse. Make your own by following the steps.
- Make you own relaxing and destressing salt scrub for the bath. You can even decorate the jars with a ribbon if giving as a gift.
Lavender water
1. Pour 100ml of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of fresh or dried lavender flowers into a bowl lined with muslin cloth.
2. Cover the bowl and leave to cool at room temperature.
3. Strain the mixture and pour into a clean glass bottle and store it in the fridge.
Lavender salt scrub
1. In a large bowl add 2 cups of Epsom Salts, ½ cup of coconut oil at room temperature.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of lavender flowers – we used fresh flowers but you can use dried flowers too. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. If you want to add an extra bit of fragrance, add 10-20 drops of lavender oil.
3. Place your salt scrub in jars to seal in the moisture and fragrance.
Something sweet
For something sweet, add lavender flowers to cheesecakes, sorbet and ice cream. You can even infuse sugar with lavender for baking.
Follow the Thanks Plants campaign on www.thanksplantssa.co.za and enter the competition in the August, September and October issues of The Gardener and Die Tuinier.
