Local lavender farms bring a touch of Provence to American soil.
The lavender fields of Provence are world famous for their fragrant aroma and postcard landscapes that really seem to have been painted from a dream. But not all of us can make it over to the south of France, and the lavender regions are often overcome by tourist crowds also angling for the best view. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a world traveler to get lost in purple-hued splendor — it’s possible that you live within driving distance of a lavender farm right now.
These photos were taken this weekend at Carousel Farm in Bucks County, PA, however, they look like they could have come from the the French countryside. And that’s totally the point. Carousel was built in 1748, but has only been in the lavender business about a decade. Owners David Braff and Niko Cristou (who bought Carousel in 2000) were so inspired by a trip to Provence that they took a leap of faith and planted 15,000 lavender plants on the property. Not sure what the east coast climate might yield, they were delighted when the plants bloomed so magnificently. And so were the locals. Carousel turned into a favorite destination for gardeners, nature lovers, and creative types. Artists spend hours in the fields painting, drawing, and photographing the flowers, which sit against a backdrop of meandering stone walls and an 18th century barn. Before leaving, lavender enthusiasts can also get their fix in the gift shop, which sells fresh and dried lavender bunches and homemade soaps, lotions and oils.
Lavender season can vary by geographic location and by type of plant, but peak lushness typically runs from mid-June to early-August. During this time, most farms will open up to the public and allow visitors to stroll the fields, so do a Google search to see if there are any lavender farms near you.