![Lavender flower close up in a field in Provence France against a blue sky background.](/sites/default/files/styles/or/public/image_nodes/shutterstock_261949661.jpg?itok=-_PjRAt7)
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Planting, Growing, and Caring for Lavender Flowers
Recipes
Cooking Notes
Although edible, lavender should be used sparingly in recipes. The herb has a lovely perfumed flavor, but it can be too strong or bitter if overused.
The herb is often used in herbes de Provence mixes, and leaves can be chopped and added sparingly to some sauces, shortbread biscuits and baked goods, ice cream, teas, and lemonade.
See our recipe for lavender scones and honey-lavender syrup, as well as a recipe for making your own lavender-herb tea.
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Our lavender plants were put into the ground a week and a half ago and now look like they are dying. We have kept them watered. Any suggestions, thank you
Hi, Jan. It may in fact be the watering that is causing your lavender distress. When first planted, lavender needs only about 1 gallon of water a week. Once established, the plants require even less water.
Is lavender deer, rabbit and squirrel resistant? I ask because my yard has become an animal cafeteria.
Yes! We have a terrible deer problem and they never bother my lavender plants. They leave my marigolds alone, too, but they do love holly hocks. Good luck!
a plant hopefully will repell rabbits, squirrels
George,
You’re in luck! Deer, rabbit, and squirrel eschew lavender due to its strong aroma, and the same goes for most aromatic herbs. For how to prevent your yard from being a buffet, see our guide to Which Animals Are Eating Your Garden and How to Keep Them Out!
—The Editors
In the Portuguese countryside its common to see clothes lines suspended over or near lavender gardens to scent the clothes while drying.
That would be incredible! I would love to sleep on line-dried, lavender-scented sheets—pure heaven!
I like my lavender cookies a bit firmer and crispier. The original recipe says to let the dough sit on the counter for about 1/2 hour to allow the dough to rise. I would like to cut this time down to about 15 minutes or so. I think a bit of extra time allows the dough to rise faster and will create a firmer and more flavorful cookie.
Lavender Cookies
preheat oven to 350
1 c butter room temp
1 c sugar
1 beaten egg
1 1/2 c self rising AP flour
1 tbs lavender buds(8 sprigs)
8 oz dark chocolate for dipping
Beat butter and sugar til light
beat in egg
stir in flour and lavender buds
drop by 1/2 tsp 2" apart on parchment
bake 15 to 18 min-(check in 10 min)
cool completely
dip half way in melted chocolate
Leave on waxed paper to set
store in tin or freeze.
makes 4 doz