Lavender Limeade

6 cups water, divided
1 3/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup dried lavender or 1/3 cup fresh lavender
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
1 cup (about 8 limes) fresh squeezed lime juice
Lime slices

In a 2 quart saucepan, combine 2 cups water, sugar, lavender and lime zest. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove pan from heat and let syrup stand 10 minutes. Strain and discard lavender.

In a large pitcher, stir together remaining 4 cups water, syrup and lime juice. Serve over ice, adding lime slices for garnish.