There is nothing quite like the aromatic fragrance of dried lavender. One way to enjoy that fragrance is with dried lavender bunches (sometimes they may be called bundles). Bunches can be used for a variety of projects; such as wreaths, floral arrangements, or the mini-bouquets. They look great just laying around the house as they release their fantastic fragrance into the air. Use them as center piece decorations at weddings and showers, adding a deep rich purple color to the table and their natural aroma to the occasion.
A lavender bunch is a bundle of dried lavender stems that still have the buds on them and they haven’t bloomed yet. A bunch may consist of approximately 250 to 500 individual stems. Usually, bunches are a deep purple color, have been air dried, and very fragrant. They measure approximately 11” to 17” in length. The head of the bunch measures approximately 4” in diameter and the base measures 2” in diameter. Set in the sun in the afternoon so the aroma fills the room (color will fade over time in the sun). When purchasing lavender bunches, you have to make sure to ask the lavender farm or other lavender supplier what year they are from or you can get bunches that are so brittle you won’t be able to resell them or use them. The Munstead and Grosso varieties of lavender are typically used for bunches. Some suppliers may only sell bunches during the June to September timeframe because lavender is harvested every year in July.
Bunches will retain their fragrance for months to a year. Pinch the lavender bud to reinvigorate the scent. Keep out of the direct sunlight as color may diminish. Collect the fallen buds and place in a bowl.
Mills Floral
Mills Floral, located in Duluth, Georgia, is a great source for lavender bunches. They have a minimum order size of $100.00. Any order under $100 will be charged a $15 fee (2011). Typically, they shipped the orders within 24 to 48 hours. You have to create an account to see their prices and you must have a resellers license to set up an account. Mills Floral offers their lavender bunches with or without sleeves. They have available three different sleeves: clear, kraft paper, and assorted lavender colored tissue paper. There is a minimum quantity to have to order on the unsleeved, kraft paper, and tissue paper bunches. They also sale lavender buds and other floral related items.
Atlantic Spice
Atlantic Spice, located in Massachusetts, sells lavender bunches (they call them bundles), and you can buy smaller quantities; that is, you can order a single bunch or a 100 bunches. Atlantic Spice has a $30 minimum order size, prior to shipping and you don’t need a business license to buy from them. They offer volume discounts as well as larger order discounts. The volume discounts break points occur at 5 pounds and 25 pounds for lavender buds. It is 10% off the one pound price when ordering between 5 and 24 pounds. It is 15% off the one pound price when ordering 25 pounds or more. You get a 10% discount when you order is over $200 and 15% discount when your order is over $500. Except for a couple times, Atlantic Spice has shipped our orders within one business day.
Other sources for dried and fresh lavender bunches: Sequim Lavender Farms, Lavender at Stonegate, and Keyscreek Lavender Farm
