botany and bookends

Since the temperatures are heading up today, I thought it would be smart to harvest lavender in the morning hours. Seems I wasn’t the only one to pre-plan my day.

When a new cycle of lavender starts opening, I cut the old stalks to bring inside. (I still have a lot to learn about ways in which to more effectively use lavender rather than aesthetic displays.) It seems such a waste to let them die out without trying to harvest them for indoors – relaxing bouquets by the bedsides.

I like the way bees have NO. TIME. for silliness like vendettas or horseplay. They have a goal and they are headstrong into completing it – which thankfully means they have little time for stinging! We worked side by side. I appreciated their space; they were unconcerned about mine.

The sun was already blaring down, but slowly – stalk by stalk – I was able to gather a little basketful before conceding to the bumble’s territory.

It was nice to stop a while and watch them work. Quickly flitting from tiny flower to tiny flower…doing what needed to be done. Even when it meant working around an intrusive gardener and her rambunctious goldendoodle.

Again, I have a lot to learn about this herb. I don’t really understand the term ‘edible lavender’ or how to extract the oils, but they give me a sense of calm – both the aroma and the simple process of cultivation.

After bringing in my little collection of lavender, I put them in the sink with a little Dawn Powerwash. (I have no idea if that’s okay for lavender, but Powerwash solves all problems, right??!) I wanted to make sure any bugs were washed away, then I rinsed off the lavender with warm water.

After drying in a windowsill for the day, they are ready to help someone with a good night’s sleep…

I feel like we are doing our part for the bee population, even while keeping our respective distance.

The sun can get overwhelming sometimes in California. But the fields of lavender that they provide – with a bit of help from a little water, a little harvesting, and a lot of sunshine – makes it worth every rising degree.