July 10, 2011

Lavender and bees

The bees and I have an agreement where lavender is concerned. I only take a small amount this time of year and I ask permission to take stems from the various bushes. I'd guess that there is less than 2% of the total lavender crop here. I take some now for drying and more later in the season.
While we cut the stems they buzz around quite cheerfully, even landing on the stems and me. Almost as if they are checking the quality and the ammount of stems we have.
This will hang in Mr Mog's new workshop for a few weeks then most will go in the incence cupboard for mixing with other incense ingredients and for lavender bags for the fibre chests to help keep moths at bay.
The next lot will be dried for cooking and some used fresh.
I love lavender in biscuits, cupcakes,scones, sugar and lemonade to name but a few.
You can also infuse it in oil, make soap with it ,or my favourite, fizz bombs for the bath. The list is endless. Give it a try.
I never take too much at this time of year, or indeed any time. I leave a lot over the autumn as it still receives lots of  visits from the insects around at that time.
The house and workshop smell delightful with this fresh picked harvest.

4 comments:

Helen Jacobs-Grant said...

stunning lavender stems very pretty, pleased the bees approve too :)

Debra She Who Seeks said...

There is no more beautiful scent in the world than lavender. Glad you share it with the bees.

laoi gaul~williams said...

lovely lavender~i have two huge bushes either side of my front door, assorted scattered in the back garden and this year we planted a lavender bed each side of our garden path.
the bee's adore it all and i am going to harvest a small amount to make some lavender oil.

Probably Jane said...

That's really helpful advice - I was wondering about the best way to harvest lavender. I shall follow your example.

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