I don’t enjoy licking a soap dish, and frankly, that’s what lavender sometimes tastes like when it’s used in culinary applications. After all, lavender’s Latin root is lavare, which means to wash.

I know, lots of people like it and I also know that it’s an essential ingredient in the classic French Herbs de Provence, but I suspect that people are either using it badly, or using the wrong kind of lavender. Or maybe I’m just a crank and I don’t like it. Both are probably true.

The other day, I tasted an award-winning cheese that had been rubbed with coffee and lavender.  This is a really well-made cheese, not some cheap, flavored processed product, but it created a confusing good-bad experience in my mouth. The cheese tasted great. I liked the touch of coffee, but the lavender left me, blech. I suspect this is just my taste.

On the other hand, I have tried poorly executed, overly soapy tasting dishes with lavender that are just wrong. Lavender has an overpowering taste and smell and should be used both sparingly and smartly. But first make sure you use the right type. Any old ornamental lavender that you pick might not be suitable for culinary use. Use culinary lavender.

Here are a few recipes I might try, if I liked lavender.

In this Peach Lavender Ice Cream notice there’s only 1 teaspoon of lavender in this recipe. Also it’s a recipe adapted from David Lebovitz’s book, The Perfect Scoop. I trust David, so this is probably tasty.

This Lavender Marinated Leg of Lamb likewise is from an accomplished chef. In this case, Michael Tusk, of San Francisco’s Quince restaurant. I like that the lavender is in the marinade, not stuffed into the lamb.

Lavender and honey have a natural affinity and these Honey Lavender Cookies sound pretty good.

Also, check out Farmers’ Market Desserts by Jennie Schacht. There’s a Lavender Shortbread recipe in the book that I’ve tasted and liked.

Lavender – if you must eat it, rather than bathe in it, do so cautiously.

Editor’s note: This is a new column by Vanessa Barrington. For the lighter side of all things foodie, read Overcooked weekly. Overcooked: helping you make the most of today’s trendiest ingredient…before it’s overdone. Be sure to catch Vanessa’s original EcoSalon column, The Green Plate, on the environmental, social, and political issues related to what and how we eat.

Image: PossumGirl via Flickr

Raise your hand if you a) lack a green thumb, b) care about the environment, c) care about your environment or, d) all of the above. Congratulations! You’re the perfect candidate for xeriscaping.

As a desert dweller, I know firsthand that this eco-friendly method of gardening conserves water, requires minimal upkeep, significantly reduces your water bills and yields stunning greenery and flowers. But, you don’t have to live in an arid region to get into this low maintenance style of gardening. To get you started, here’s a list of the best plants for xeriscaping.

Succulents

Equipped to survive even the driest climates, succulents can retain water and survive dry spells (and forgetful gardeners). Plus, there are hundreds of varieties to choose from.

Lavender

This fragrant flowering plant is popular among amateur gardeners and can grow in a variety of soils.

Tillandsia

More commonly known as air plants, tillandsias don’t even need soil to grow. Instead of receiving sustenance through the roots, their leaves absorb essential nutrients and water.

Fairy Duster

Due to a slow growth rate, these drought-resistant shrubs rarely need to be pruned.

Purple Sage

This low-maintenance perennial releases a sweet aroma when its beautiful buds bloom.

Oleander

Able to flourish in poor soil with little water, these plants produce flowers in an assortment of brilliant colors like red, white, yellow and pink.

Red Bird of Paradise

This flowering shrub thrives in warm shades of red, yellow and orange when exposed to ample sunlight.

Lantana

Since this vining shrub grows rapidly, it’s best used as a ground cover or hanging plant.

California Poppy

The state’s official flower, the California poppy is self-seeding and nyctinastic.

Bougainvillea

Bougainvilleas flower from season to season in vibrant hues like orange, yellow, pink, red, purple and white.

Images: Anika Malone, ILoveButter, eutima, cliff1066, ClatieK, Bill & Mavis, James Gagen, bbjee, jalalspages, The County Clerk