The NYC Lavender Field on Governors Island is Earth Matter’s healing space for the community, the bees, and the Earth.

Launched in 2017, The NYC Lavender Field provides visitors with a serene, deliciously fragrant oasis where they can set aside the stresses of city life.

A beneficial pollinator attractor, the lavender blooms provide sustenance for Governors Island’s pollinators in the face of dwindling natural habitat and climate change stress.

The NYC Lavender Field is planted in soil enriched with compost made by Earth Matter NY, demonstrating one of the ways we nourish the earth and  keep food waste out of New York City’s landfills.

The NYC Lavender Field is always open. We ask:

• Do not pick the flowers: this results in damage to the plants.
• Do not take the shells: they are an important part of the ecology of the field.
• Stay on the paths: do not cut through rows.
• No pets of any kind are allowed in the field. Service animals are an exception. 
• Do not step on the irrigation lines.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH YOUR LAVENDER?

Lavender is a flower best used dried. The fragrance needs to be coaxed from the plant with physical manipulation — gently squeeze the leaves, stems or flowers between your fingers to release the scent of fresh lavender.

If fresh, dry your lavender:

1.  Fresh lavender can last in water for a few days to a week, but it’s best to dry the bouquet after a few days for longer-lasting fragrance and decoration.
2. Tie stems together and hang upside down in dark, dry, airy place for 2 – 6 weeks (not the bathroom because it is too humid).
3. Your lavender is ready when flowers fall upon touch or stems feel crunchy.

Use for dried flower arrangements or strip dried flowers, and tie into small fabric bundles:

Layer between sheets/pillow cases ~ Tuck into toes of sneakers ~ Place in drawers ~ Keep stored suitcases fresh ~ Keep in handbag, briefcase, desk drawer for calming inhalations ~ Hang in car or closet ~ Squeeze bundle to activate scent