What Can You Do On A Lavender Farm?

When we hear the word “farm,” we tend to think of corn fields, chickens, cows…okay, maybe that’s just me. But a lavender farm? We can grow lavender in our own gardens and such, but a whole farm? Yes, they exist! 

So imagine the corn fields you were just picturing and replace the corn with lavender. Got it? Yes, this is a lavender farm. 

What do lavender farms do? 

Lavender farms harvest lavender flowers in large quantities. These flowers are then used in dried bouquets, sachets, essential oils, and bath and body products…just to name a few. Most lavender farms make their own products while also supplying other companies who also make lavender products. Whenever you buy a product containing natural lavender—tea, soap, or a floral bouquet—that lavender will have been sourced from a lavender farm. 

Is there any difference between lavender farms? 

Short answer: yes! 

Farms can certainly differ in size and in the types of lavender grown. Some farms are larger commercial operations whereas others are more like a large home backyard garden. Lavender has also been cultivated to grow in some of the more humid temperatures that it normally hates. For instance, Florida’s Southern Grace Lavender Farm grows a type of lavender called “Phenomenal.” This French lavender hybrid was developed to withstand heat and humidity—perfect for the Florida weather! 

Sometimes farms are not open to the public. Some farms only grow their lavender to sell in products. In these cases the farm does not offer public access. In other cases the farm is very small and possibly part of the owner’s private home. Bee Loved Lavender in Ohio is one of these small private property farms which doesn’t allow public visitors. As a general rule, it is always best to check the farm’s information on visiting and opening hours ahead of your proposed visit—just in case. 

Farms that are open to the public also differ in the range of products and activities offered. In making my list of lavender farms in the United States, I found quite a few that also kept bee hives alongside their lavender fields. The bees develop honey using the nectar from the lavender buds—and then the farm harvests and sells that honey! A number of lavender farms also had animals on site as well, with a handful of farms specializing in alpacas in addition to lavender. Alpaca yarn is then offered for sale alongside the lavender products. Some farms also double as special event venues, especially for weddings. After all, the lavender fields make a peaceful purple backdrop to wedding photos and a beautiful scented atmosphere for your unique ceremony. 

A particular farm in New York, Lavender Crest Farm, is extremely unique from any other farms I found in the United States. Lavender Crest Farm is a care farm, which offers a therapeutic setting for those in need of particular mental health treatment. This therapy spans from animal assisted therapy to horticultural therapy, which is working with the lavender plants. In essence, patients are active in nature, assisting with cognitive and social functioning as well as decreasing stress. 

What can you do when you visit a lavender farm? 

A typical lavender farm usually offers a chance to walk through the lavender fields, as well as peruse the farm shop and have a bite to eat at the farm cafe (lavender lemonade, anyone?). Many farms also offer a chance for you to pick your own lavender from the fields, but only on specified dates corresponding to the lavender bloom and harvest. 

Some farms also offer a hotel stay on the farm, which I imagine can be quite a special experience with a view of the fields and the calming lavender scent surrounding you. I will definitely try this sometime! 

Visiting a lavender farm is a great summer experience, and the lavender is starting its bloom RIGHT NOW! I personally love visiting (see this post on one of my lavender farm experiences) and have plans to visit a few nearby farms over the next few weeks! So embrace the summer, go outside for some Vitamin D, and bask in the glorious fields of your local lavender farm! 

To find a farm near you in the United States, please visit: List of Lavender Farms in the USA

Related Posts: A Day of Serenity in the English Cotswolds