Honey Lavender Roast Chicken - Rhubarb & Lavender

Ingredients

• 3 - 4 lb whole chicken
• kosher salt (as needed)
• 8 tbsp butter (softened)
• 1 tbsp lavender buds
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 lemon
• pepper (as needed)
• 1 onion
• 4 whole garlic cloves
• 6 - 8 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup mead (*see note)
• 2 cups chicken broth (plus extra as needed)