If you have a lavender plant in your garden, you know how wonderful it is to have the sweet fragrance of lavender in your home. But what do you do with the dried lavender stems once the flowers have been harvested? Fortunately, there are plenty of creative ways to use these stems.
One of the most popular uses for dried them is to make sachets. Simply fill a small muslin bag with dried lavender stems and place it in your linen closet or dresser drawer to keep your clothes smelling fresh. You can also add other herbs or spices to the sachet, such as rose petals, cinnamon, or cloves, to create a custom scent.
Another way to use dried lavender stems is to make lavender oil. Simply fill a jar with these lavender stems and cover with a carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba oil. Let the mixture sit for a few weeks to infuse the oil with the scent of lavender. Strain out the stems and use the oil as a massage oil, in a diffuser, or as a natural perfume.
Crafting with Dried Lavender Stems
They are not only fragrant but also versatile. Here are some crafty ways to use them:
Homemade Lavender Wands
Homemade lavender wands are a whimsical and fragrant addition to any room. They are easy to make, and all you need are some dried lavender stems, ribbon, and a pair of scissors. First, gather a bunch of dried lavender stems and tie them together with a ribbon, leaving a long tail. Next, bend the stems over the lavender flowers, and weave the ribbon over and under the stems. Continue weaving until you reach the end of the stems. Finally, tie the ribbon tightly, leaving a long tail. You now have a beautiful lavender wand that you can hang in your room or give as a gift.
Lavender Stem Sachets
Lavender stem sachets are a great way to keep your clothes and linens smelling fresh. To make lavender stem sachets, you will need some dried lavender stems, fabric, and a sewing machine. Cut two pieces of fabric into the desired size and shape, leaving a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Sew the two pieces of fabric together, leaving a small opening. Stuff the sachet with dried lavender stems, and sew the opening shut. You can place the sachets in your drawers, closet, or even your car for a lovely lavender scent.
Decorative Lavender Bunches
Decorative lavender bunches are an easy way to add a touch of elegance to your home. To make decorative lavender bunches, you will need some dried lavender stems and a vase. Simply gather a bunch of these dried stems and tie them together with a ribbon. Place the lavender bunch in a vase, and you now have a beautiful centerpiece for your table. You can also place the lavender bunch in a jar or hang it on a wall for a lovely decoration.
These are just a few ideas for crafting with dried lavender stems. Get creative and see what other beautiful things you can make with this fragrant herb.
Aromatic Uses for Dried Lavender Stems
If you have them, you can use them to create a variety of aromatic products. Here are a few ideas:
Potpourri Mixtures
Dried lavender stems can be combined with other dried flowers, herbs, and spices to create fragrant potpourri mixtures. You can experiment with different combinations until you find a scent that you love. Once you’ve created your mixture, you can display it in a decorative bowl or sachet.
Lavender Scented Candles
If you enjoy burning candles, you can create your own lavender scented candles using dried lavender stems. To make a candle, you’ll need to melt wax and add fragrance. You can use lavender essential oil or dried lavender stems to add fragrance to your candle. Once the candle has cooled and hardened, you can light it to enjoy the scent of lavender.
Natural Air Fresheners
Dried lavender stems can be used to create natural air fresheners for your home or car. You can create a sachet by placing them in a small muslin bag and tying it closed. You can place the sachet in your car, closet, or drawer to enjoy the scent of lavender. Alternatively, you can create a spray by combining water and lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. You can use the spray to freshen up any room in your home.
Overall, these dried stems can be used to create a variety of aromatic products. Whether you’re making potpourri, candles, or air fresheners, you’ll love the soothing scent of lavender.
Gardening with Dried Lavender Stems
If you have them and you’re wondering what to do with them, consider using them in your garden. Lavender is not only a beautiful plant but also a natural pest repellent and can help improve soil health. Here are some ways you can use dried lavender stems in your garden:
Mulching with Lavender Stems
Mulching is a great way to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth. Using dried lavender stems as mulch can provide these benefits while also adding a pleasant aroma to your garden. Simply spread a layer of these dried stems around the base of your plants, making sure not to cover the stems of the plant itself. As the lavender stems break down, they will release nutrients into the soil, improving soil health.
Composting Lavender Stems
Composting is a great way to turn your organic waste into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Dried lavender stems are a great addition to your compost pile. They will add carbon to the pile, which helps balance the nitrogen-rich materials like grass clippings and kitchen scraps. Chop the lavender stems into small pieces before adding them to the compost pile to speed up the decomposition process.
In conclusion, they can be a useful addition to your garden. Use them as mulch to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth or add them to your compost pile to improve soil health.
Culinary Applications of Dried Lavender Stems
They are not only great for aromatherapy and home decor, but they can also add a unique flavor to your culinary creations. Here are a couple of ways you can use dried lavender stems in your cooking.
Infused Oils and Vinegars
Infusing oils and vinegars with these lavender stems is an easy way to add a subtle floral flavor to your dishes. Simply place a handful of dried lavender stems in a bottle of oil or vinegar and let it sit for a few days to a week, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be. You can use the infused oil or vinegar in salad dressings, marinades, or as a finishing touch to your dishes.
Here’s a simple recipe to make lavender-infused olive oil:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup dried lavender stems
Instructions:
- Place the dried stems in a clean glass jar.
- Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat until warm.
- Pour the warm oil over the lavender stems in the jar.
- Cover the jar with a lid and let it sit for at least 24 hours.
- Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle.
- Store the lavender-infused olive oil in a cool, dark place for up to 1 month.
Lavender Flavored Sugars
Lavender flavored sugars are a great way to add a touch of sweetness and floral flavor to your baked goods and desserts. You can use them in place of regular sugar in recipes like shortbread cookies, scones, and cakes.
Here’s a simple recipe to make lavender flavored sugar:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender stems
Instructions:
- Place the lavender stems in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
- Add the sugar to the food processor and pulse until the lavender is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
- Store the lavender flavored sugar in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Now that you know how to use them in your cooking, you can experiment with different recipes and enjoy the unique flavor they add to your dishes.
