Growing Lavender (and Making Sachets)

It may be one of the most recognized smells in the world and has been used since ancient times. Lavender's clean, musky fragrance relaxes, soothes, and guarantees a peaceful slumber. The Egyptians used lavender for temple purification rituals. The Greeks and Romans used it to scent their linens and put the plant leaves and flowers in the water when they bathed (the name lavender is derived from the Latin "lavare" and the Roman "lavo", meaning "to wash" or "wash"). As time went on, ladies once stored their linens and clothing with dried lavender and leaves. And it was part of a flower girl's regular stock in London. The expression "lavender and old lace" was often used to mean someone with good manners. Today, the herb is grown mostly for the way it beautifies a garden and its unique aroma. And my mom absolutely loves it!

You're going to need:

Lavender plants or several packets of lavender seeds

Fertile soil (that gets enough sun)

Gardening (or pruning) scissors

Flower pots

Small pieces of fabric

A few ribbons

1. Set out your lavender plants at any time during the growing season in a well-drained spot that gets a lot of sun. Space them 1 and one half to 2 feet apart.

2. Water the plants often during the first several weeks. Once the plants are firmly rooted, they'll be very heat-resistant and drough-tolerant.

3. Harvest the blossoms as they fade to encourage the plants to re-bloom.

4. Did you know there are several types of lavender plants? The Alba is a white version of English lavender. This plant's pale blooms will reflect the moonlight and seem to glow. It's an awesome sight in the evening!

5. The Hidcote is a dwarf English lavender with intense purple-colored blossoms. The fragrance is just as intense and will last for many months after drying. There's also a pink Hidcote!

6. The lavender plant belongs to the mint family and is used in making some perfumes (I believe this is due to its long-lasting scent).

Here's how to make a lavender sachet:

1. Cut the bloom stalks on a dry day morning when the flowers are not quite fully open.

2. Fasten the stems into small bundles with elastic bands and hang upside down in a dry place, out of direct sunlight.

3. Pull the stems with your fingers to remove the dry flowers. Gather a square piece of fabric around a handful of flowers. Then tie with a ribbon.