Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

Prepare the Lavender Rub:

In a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind the dried culinary lavender buds until they become a fine powder. If you don't have culinary lavender buds, make sure to use food-grade lavender, as some lavender varieties are not suitable for consumption.

Score the Ham:

Place the ham on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to score the surface in a diamond pattern. Make shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart.

Create the Glaze:

In a small saucepan, combine the ground lavender, honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Apply the Lavender and Honey Glaze:

Place the scored ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Pour half of the lavender and honey glaze over the ham, making sure to get it into the cuts you made. Use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread the glaze evenly.

Bake the Ham:

Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the ham for about 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes during the cooking process.

Add Butter and Water:

About 30 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of water to the roasting pan. This will help keep the ham moist and flavorful.

Rest and Slice:

Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures a moist and tender ham.

Serve:

Slice the lavender and honey glazed ham and serve it with the pan juices as a delicious drizzle. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs for an extra touch of elegance if desired.