If you can get past the bees that love the pollen so much, cut stems of lavender about a foot long. Tie into bunches and hang upside down in a dry, warm area in the house.

If you cover lightly in a paper bag, it doesn’t look as pretty, but the bags are breathable so the lavender will still dry, but any falling buds are then collected so it’s tidier and you won’t lose any of the dried flowers.

After a couple of weeks, test to see if the flowers have dried enough to fall easily away. When they do simply brush them into a bowl – trying to stay awake while you do so!

This is a task especially beneficial after dealing with the smallholding finances or any other unpleasant job as lavender in this quantity is more calming than a tranquiliser.