Burl Ives sings this song in the Disney film, "So Dear to My Heart". Perhaps you have seen it? So many things in it to charm and comfort a soul.Not unlike the lavender that blooms in my backyard garden, planted near the stone walls. Lavender adores limestone and it has never ceased from thriving every year in my garden. Of course the application of lime to your soil will also help make your lavender happy.
Lavender syrup is so simple to make and I love having a jar of it in my refrigerator to pull out whenever I want to add a bit of summer's nectar to my iced tea or lemonade. Initially I gave the recipe a couple of summers ago. Making syrups, I have found, are very adaptable especially regarding the amount of sugar you must add to make your syrup. The typical recipe is 1 part water to 1 part sugar. I have sometimes altered that to half the amount of sugar, the syrup is not as thick, but still adds a good flavor to your drinks. Try it and see what you think. I now add the entire lavender sprigs, stems and all. You must strain it anyway and the stems contain huge amounts of lavendery flavor as well as the blossoms.
Lavender lemonade in my great-grandmother's punch bowl, with lemonade ice mold and a sprig of mint. Served at Charlotte's birthday party back in May.
