Growing in our fields at the height of the season, the sea of purple is quite something to behold! But something we LOVE about lavender is that you can enjoy it all year round. Once it's harvested, the dried flowers have a whole range of uses that can give you that scent of the summer, all year round.
Whether you’re crafting something special, wanting a restful night’s sleep, keeping your laundry fresh, or looking for a thoughtful gift, dried lavender is one versatile plant.
Here are a few of our favourite ways to use dried lavender.
Getting crafty
If you love a good project, crafting with lavender can be a lovely way to combine nature with artistic pursuits.
Lavender Sachets: These simple little pouches filled with dried lavender are perfect for keeping in drawers or hanging in wardrobes. All you need is some pretty fabric, a ribbon, and dried lavender. Simply sew a small pouch, (or get your hands on some pre-made if you're less handy with a needle - we won't tell!), fill it with lavender, and tie it up. These sachets not only smell divine but also keep your clothes smelling fresh and pest-free.
Lavender Wreaths: Create a gorgeous door wreath by attaching dried lavender sprigs to a wreath form. It’s easy to make and adds a lovely touch to your home, especially during spring and summer. Plus, every time you pass by, you’ll be greeted with the delightful aroma of lavender. (Fancy learning how to do this from our head gardener? Check out our workshops this season)
Lavender Candles: If you're feeling a bit more crafty, try making your own candles. Add some dried lavender buds to your candle base for an extra layer of fragrance. It’s a lovely way to create a relaxing atmosphere at home, especially when you need a little extra calm.
A Natural Sleep Aid
One of the most well-known benefits of lavender is its ability to help promote restful sleep. For centuries, lavender has been used as a natural remedy to reduce stress and anxiety, helping you unwind at the end of a busy day.
Lavender Pillow Sachets: Lavender-filled sachets aren’t just for your wardrobe; they’re wonderful under your pillow too! The gentle fragrance of lavender promotes relaxation and can help you drift off to sleep more easily. Simply place a sachet or a small cloth bag of lavender buds near your pillow for a soothing, aromatic experience.
Lavender in Your Bath: For the ultimate wind-down (and to feel EXTRA fancy), add dried lavender to a warm bath. You can tie the lavender into a muslin bag and hang it under the tap so that the water runs through it, or sprinkle some directly into your bathwater. The fragrance will not only calm your senses but will also help your muscles relax.
Lavender Oil for Diffusing: A diffuser filled with lavender essential oil is another great option for a restful night. Just a few drops of lavender oil, combined with water in the diffuser, can fill your room with a relaxing scent. If you don't have a diffuser, a simple bowl of hot water with a few drops of oil next to your bed can also work wonders.
Keeping Laundry Fresh
Lavender’s fresh, floral scent is a perfect way to keep your laundry smelling amazing long after it’s been washed. Plus, lavender is a natural antiseptic and can help keep clothes fresh by fighting off bacteria.
Lavender Dryer Bags: Instead of using chemical-laden dryer sheets, why not pop some dried lavender in a muslin bag and throw it in your dryer? It’ll leave your clothes smelling fresh and lovely without any artificial scents. The best part? Lavender is also great at absorbing excess moisture, so it helps prevent damp smells.
Lavender-Infused Laundry Detergent: For an added touch of fragrance, sprinkle a few dried lavender buds into your laundry detergent bottle or into your washing machine drum. It will leave your laundry lightly scented and naturally fresh.
Lavender for Gifting
Lavender makes a wonderful, thoughtful gift. Whether it’s a birthday, a special occasion, or 'just because', you can use lavender to create personalised presents that are both beautiful and practical.
Lavender Sachets or Pouches: These are super simple to make. Tie them with a pretty ribbon and pop them into gift bags or boxes. They make a great addition to any gift, especially when paired with a lovely scented candle or bath salts.
Lavender Bath Soak: Combine dried lavender buds with Epsom salts or sea salt to make a calming bath soak. It’s a lovely treat for anyone who could use a bit of relaxation and pampering. You can package it in a pretty jar with a personalised label for that extra special touch.
Lavender-Infused Honey or Syrup: Another gift idea is lavender-infused honey. Simply heat the honey with a few sprigs of lavender, let it cool, and strain it. It’s a lovely, thoughtful gift that brings a touch of floral sweetness to tea or baked goods.
Feeling inspired?
Why not grab a bag of dried lavender (we have 250g, 500g and 1kg bags available) and have a go at some of the ideas. Whether it's a gift for someone special or a little self-care treat for yourself, we'd LOVE to see what you make. Tag us on socials (@Yorkshirelavender) and share your crafts!
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