Visit one of these lavender farms at high season―May and June in California, June and July in the Northwest and mountains―and you might think you’re in the south of France, where legendary lavender fields have been in cultivation for centuries.
WASHINGTON
Pelindaba Lavender Farm Open daily May–Oct (call for off-season hours). 33 Hawthorne Lane, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island; www.pelindaba.com or 360/378-4248. Open House: Tours of the farm; presentations on cooking, crafts, and cultivation. 10–5 Jul 10–11, 2004; free. Favorite Lavender:Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’, for its intense fragrance.
Purple Haze Lavender Farm Farm: Open daily through Sep 1; 180 Bell Bottom Rd., Sequim. Store: Open daily through Dec (call for off- season hours); 127 W. Washington St., Sequim; www.purplehazelavender.com or 360/683-1714. Open House: One of six farms taking part in the Sequim Lavender Festival. 10–6 Jul 16–18, 2004; $6 (good for all participating farms). Favorite Lavender:L. x intermedia ‘Hidcote Giant’, for its fat purple blossoms.
OREGON
Champion Acres Nursery Open by appointment through Sep. 78693 Cedar Park Rd., Cottage Grove; www.championacres.com or 541/942-7766. Open House: Plant sale; demonstrations on crafts and pruning. 9–5 Jul 10–11, 2004; free. Favorite Lavender:L. x heterophylla, for its sweet fragrance and constant bloom (borderline hardy in Oregon).
Sawmill Ballroom Lavender Farm Thu–Sat through May, Thu-–Sun Jun–Aug 15, 2004. 29251 Hamm Rd., Eugene; www.sawmillballroom.com or 541/686-9999. Open House: Food, crafts; classes on growing and pruning. Tour five plantings. 11–4 Jul 17–18; free. Favorite Lavender:L. ‘Silver Frost’, for its silvery foliage and attractive form.
Shooting Star Lavender Farm Mon–Sat through May (call for summer and off-season hours). 17676 Beaver Falls Rd., Clatskanie; www.shootingstarlavender.com or 503/ 728-4236. Open House: Lavender tasting. 10–5 Jun 26–27; free. Wreath and wand classes; U-pick. 10–5 Jul 31–Aug 1, 2004 and 10–5 Aug 7–8, 2004; free. Favorite Lavender:L. angustifolia ‘Royal Purple’, for its deep purple flowers with mellow flavor.
IDAHO
Valley View Lavender Farm Fri–Sat through Dec. 4297 Carter Pack Rd., Buhl; www.valleyviewlavenderfarm.com or 208/543-4283. Open House: Food, vendors, U-pick. 10–7 Jul 10; free admission. Favorite Lavender:L. x intermedia ‘Hidcote Giant’, for its large flower heads.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Cache Creek Lavender Open year-round by appointment. 3430 Madrone St., Rumsey; www.cachecreeklavender.com or 530/796-2239. Open House: Talks on growing and using lavender; U-pick. 9–5 Jun 13, 2004; free. Favorite Lavender:Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’, for its delicate, sweet scent and beautiful deep purple flowers.
Healdsburg Lavender Festival Tastings, seminars, craft and cooking demonstrations, and lavender products. 11–4 Jun 19–20, 2004; free admission. Healdsburg Downtown Plaza, Healdsburg Ave. and Matheson St. (Central Healdsburg exit off U.S. 101); www.healdsburglavenderfestival.com or 707/431-4219.
Matanzas Creek Winery Open daily year-round. 6097 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa; www.matanzascreek.com or 800/590-6464. Open House: Lavender-enhanced cuisine, wine tasting, and more. 1–4 Jun 26, 2004; $75. Favorite Lavender:L. x intermedia ‘Grosso’, for its intense fragrance and dark flower color.
Sonoma Lavender Open only during open house (see below). 8537 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood; www.sonomalavender.com or 707/523-4411. Open House: Free seminars on growing, cooking, and crafting with lavender; U-pick and live plants. 10–4 Jun 12–13, 2004; $5 per vehicle. Favorite Lavender:L. x intermedia ‘Hidcote Giant’, for its dark flower color and generous plant size.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Rusty Acres Herb Farm Open year-round by appointment. 4233 Rosa Rancho Lane, Fallbrook; www.rustyacres.com or 760/731-7349. Open House: Food; seminars on growing plants and distilling oil. 10–4 Jun 26–27, 2004; free. Favorite Lavender:L. angustifolia ‘Skylark’, for its pleasant scent, gorgeous flowers, and ease of growing.
