From lavender lattes and martinis to dried bundles and sachets, a few simple ways to bring summer into everyday life.

This summer feels a little extra special around our home.

For the first time, our 130 Phenomenal lavender plants are putting on a true show—and I am completely over the moon about it.

When we planted them, I imagined soft color and fragrance, but I didn’t quite anticipate walking outside and being greeted by waves of lavender swaying in the breeze, buzzing with bees, and making our little corner of Healdsburg feel like something out of Provence.

Now comes the fun part: deciding what to do with all of it.

If you have lavender blooming right now—whether it’s 5 plants, 20 plants, or a whole row along the garden—here are a few simple ways to enjoy it:

☕ Lavender lattes — add a touch of lavender syrup and suddenly your morning coffee feels elevated.

🍸 Lavender martinis — light, floral, and perfect for warm Sonoma County evenings.

🪻 Dry lavender bundles — gather a handful, tie with ribbon, and hang upside down to enjoy for months.

🧺 Lavender sachets — tuck dried lavender into drawers and closets for the prettiest little luxury.

🍋 Lavender lemonade — perfect for guests, brunches, and summer afternoons.

🎁 Share it — wrap a few stems and leave them with neighbors or bring them to a dinner party.

💐 Fresh arrangements — clip a few stems and place them around the house.

And if you don’t use every bloom? Leave some to enjoy right where they are.

This season has reminded me that sometimes the simplest things—the garden, a morning coffee, fresh flowers, sharing something with people you love—end up being the most memorable.

I’ll be over here pretending I live in Provence… while happily staying in Healdsburg.

Lavender Syrup (Simple & Lovely)

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons culinary lavender buds (make sure your lavender is unsprayed and appropriate for culinary use)

Directions

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Add lavender.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Let steep 20–30 minutes (taste at 20 minutes—lavender can become strong quickly).
6. Strain out the lavender.
7. Cool and pour into a glass jar or bottle.
8. Refrigerate.

Keeps about 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Ways to use it:

☕ Lavender Latte: 1–2 tablespoons in espresso + steamed milk
🍸 Lavender Martini: ¾ oz with vodka/gin + lemon
🍋 Lavender Lemonade: 2–3 tablespoons per pitcher
🥂 Lavender Spritz: splash into sparkling water or Prosecco
🍓 Dessert: drizzle over berries or vanilla ice cream

Fair warning: once you make lavender syrup, you’ll start finding excuses to put it in everything. 

— Kellie Larson | Healdsburg & Sonoma County Luxury Home Expert