FOR THE LOVE OF LAVENDER

All hail the purple herb that heralds the start of summer. Enjoy its delicate scents and heavenly hues with our easy makes

Use this fragrant purple herb in a crop of creative projects

SHORTBREAD HEARTS

In a food processor, blitz 150g plain flour, 125g chopped unsalted butter, 50g caster sugar, 30g cornflour and

½ tsp dried lavender until the mixture comes together. Knead briefly until smooth. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 3mm thickness. Stamp out heart shapes (re-rolling trimmings) and place (spaced apart) on lightly greased baking sheets. Chill for 30 minutes before baking at 180°C (160°C fan oven) gas mark 4 for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Leave to firm on the trays for a few minutes before placing on a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

SCENTED PILLOW

Lay a decorative tea towel right side up. Fold in the bottom and top edge so they overlap. Sew along the short edges (or use iron-on adhesive tape) and turn right side out. Sew a button in place where it meets the loop on the tea towel. Make or buy a separate cushion filled with dried lavender to slot inside.

A WILD DISPLAY

Cut seasonal stems such as lavender, pale blue hydrangea, lace cap hydrangea, alliums and fennel at varying heights, to echo a natural cottage garden and place in a jug or large mug of water. Use chicken wire or florist’s foam inside the vessel to hold the stems in place if you wish.

WREATH BRACELET

Layer lengths of lavender into a circle, winding the stems together as you go, securing in place with thin wire. Alternatively, use thin ribbon in a coordinating shade for a prettier finish. Scale up to make a hanging wreath.

BATH SALTS

Combine Epsom bath salts, scented lavender essential oil and dried buds (available from daisyshop.co.uk) together in a jar. Add ½-1 cup (approx 100g-250g) to a bath, or as directed on the packaging of the Epsom salts. Store in a cool, dry place.

RUSTIC CANDLES

Make your own pillar candles with lavender – sprigs or loose dried buds – embedded in place. Alternatively, surround shop-bought ones with stems of lavender held in place using a ribbon tied around the base. Remember never to leave candles once lit, and cut down or remove the lavender and the ribbon as the candle melts down.

POTTED PRESENT

Mix flowering lavender, including different varieties and colours, ready to give as gifts. Place individually potted plants in old fruit crates as rustic ‘giftwrap’ or decant into galvanized-steel tubs or ceramic planters, which can go straight outdoors.

To find out more about common varieties and how to grow lavender, visit rhs.org.uk/ plants/popular/lavender/growing-guide