Lavender clippings, including the stems, leaves, and flower buds, are a fragrant byproduct of pruning or harvesting the herb. While the blossoms are the most prized part, the entire plant material is rich in aromatic compounds that hold significant value beyond the garden bed. These cuttings possess a potent, calming scent and have a history of use in domestic and medicinal applications. Instead of discarding these clippings, many practical and creative uses exist. This guide provides methods to transform your lavender trimmings into valuable resources for your home, kitchen, and garden.
Preparing and Preserving the Clippings
Immediate preparation is necessary to lock in the lavender’s fragrance and prevent mold. Harvest the stems in the morning after the dew has dried, when the plant’s natural oils are most concentrated. Gather the stems into small, loose bundles and secure them with twine. Hanging the bundles upside down in a cool, dark, dry space with good airflow is the simplest method for air drying.
The drying process typically takes two to three weeks, concluding when the stems snap easily and the buds feel crispy. For faster drying, lay the stems in a single layer on a fine mesh screen. Once fully dried, gently remove the flower buds from the stems. Store the separated buds in an airtight glass container in a dark, dry location to preserve their color and fragrance for up to a year.
Culinary and Edible Applications
Only the buds of specific lavender varieties, primarily Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender), should be used in cooking. This variety contains lower levels of camphor, which can otherwise lend a bitter or soapy taste. Any lavender used in culinary applications must be unsprayed and free of pesticides. Dried lavender buds are significantly more potent than fresh ones, so restraint is necessary to avoid overpowering a dish.
The delicate, floral notes of the buds pair well with sweet ingredients and can be incorporated into desserts and beverages. To create lavender sugar, combine dried buds with granulated sugar in an airtight container for up to a week, allowing the sugar crystals to absorb the essential oils. This infused sugar can be used in baking, dusting on pastries, or sweetening tea. Lavender-infused simple syrup is another popular option, made by simmering the buds with equal parts water and sugar, which adds flavor to lemonade, cocktails, or coffee drinks.
A gentle herbal tea can be brewed by steeping a small pinch of dried buds in hot water, sometimes blended with chamomile or mint. For a unique spread, buds can be warmed with liquid honey and strained after a few hours, resulting in a fragrant, infused honey perfect for toast or cheese boards. Lavender is also a traditional component in the French herb blend Herbes de Provence, adding depth to savory dishes like roasted chicken or vegetable marinades.
Home, Craft, and Aromatic Uses
The fragrant buds and leaves are prized for their ability to naturally scent and freshen indoor spaces. Dried lavender is easily turned into small muslin sachets that can be tucked into drawers, closets, and linen cabinets. The natural oils released from the buds serve as an effective repellent against moths and silverfish, protecting stored clothing and fabrics. For a decorative application, the dried clippings can be combined with other botanicals, like dried citrus peels or rose petals, to create a custom potpourri mix.
Lavender can also be infused into liquids for topical and cleaning purposes. A simple essential oil infusion, known as a macerated oil, is made by soaking dried buds in a carrier oil like sweet almond or jojoba oil for several weeks. This infused oil can be used as a calming massage oil or as the base for homemade bath salts and sugar scrubs. For a powerful non-toxic cleaner, dried buds can be steeped in white distilled vinegar for two to four weeks. The resulting lavender cleaning vinegar masks the sharp scent of the vinegar while providing a mildly antimicrobial solution that can be diluted with water for use on countertops, windows, or as a natural fabric softener.
Garden and Ecological Uses
The coarser parts of the plant, specifically the stems and leaves, hold utility in the outdoor environment. The woody stems and leaves can be chopped and used as a fragrant mulch around the base of other plants. This lavender mulch suppresses weed growth and assists the soil in retaining moisture. The sharp scent from the stems also acts as a natural deterrent, helping to repel garden pests like slugs and snails.
While the stems are tough and break down slowly, they can be added to a compost pile, providing organic matter that will enrich the soil. The natural compounds in the clippings, such as linalool and camphor, are responsible for the strong aroma that many insects dislike. Placing bundles of dried lavender stems near entryways or stored goods can serve as a simple pest repellent against mosquitoes, flies, and pantry moths. Dried lavender stems also make excellent natural fire starters, igniting quickly and releasing a pleasant, herbal scent.