Every summer I visit Ohio, and every summer I am amazed. This time, fields of lavender took me by complete surprise. First of all, I have never been a fan of lavender. The scent, that astringent clear-your-head aroma and its ability to hang around uninvited, had never for me been the pleasant experience it seemed to the rest of the world. Secondly, Ohio? Lavender, the little I knew of it, would seem to be a dry weather, everyday sun, never near ice kind of thing. In other words, not for Ohio.
But we heard about a nearby lavender farm, and farms in Ohio are something worth visiting. My friend Debbie and I got out the map and went.
Luvin Lavender Farms in Madison, Ohio is a tiny spot of heaven on earth. Bee-friendly, organic and enticing, the display garden is home for row upon row of lavender plants. Before our visit, I had only known vaguely about this herb, but now I was being introduced to specific types: mailette, provence, hidcote and edelweiss. Each variety had a row, a signpost and a special reason for being at the farm. One had a unique aroma, another a special flower, a third was long-lasting. As we were introduced to the marvel of lavender, bees flew by to show us how important the plants were to their busy summer season.
The day we visited, an entire row of  twickel purple lavender was being harvested by hand with a scythe. As the flowers waved in the breeze and the bees dropped in on the plants, sachets of cut lavender lay atop the shrubs and added their scent to the fresh air. I sniffed. I couldn’t get enough of that luscious smell. When had I become a fan of lavender? Somewhere between the cozy gift shop and the informative tour, the aroma had hit me and I had been won over.
Sipping on lavender tea in the gift shop, I took my time picking out the supply I would take home. Because, once a fan of lavender, always a fan of lavender…and the soap that is made from it, and the body butter, and the sachets…and the shampoo. I’ve always liked farms. Now I can say I like lavender, too.
Afterward, we drove a couple miles west and enjoyed a refreshing lunch alongside Lake Eerie. Ahh…Ohio. Always a surprise. Thanks, Debbie.
Linked with Jo’s Monday Walks.
One Small Walk... 
I love the smell of lavender outdoors, it reminds me of the south of France. Not so keen on it indoors – but like you, I could be converted!
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Anabel – I haven’t yet brought the lavender inside. I’m not a fan of perfumey fragrance. But the hand cream and the soap has all been glorious. I think that because they use essential oils, their scents might be easier to live with. The hand cream scent is lovely and fades nicely away. But the outdoors scent really won me over. 🙂
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I totally understand why you are now a fan of lavender because I love the fragrance, too. We used to have several plants near our porch at our home in Missoula, MT and I looked forward to them blooming each year in the spring. It was heavenly to walk up the path to the front door! Anita
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Anita – I came home, went to the nursery and brought home four lavender plants. I don’t think that will be enough. I think part of my new ‘luvin lavender’ is that the farm uses a pure essential oil, not a manufactured fragrance. Wonderful stuff!
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I have driven through Ohio or ridden the train. But I never stopped. Thank you for making us stop and look along with you. It is delightful!
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Hugh – Ohio has been such a pleasant surprise. We even had a delightful thunder/lightening storm while I was there – such a treat for someone from dry,dry California. Visit at least the Cleveland area if ever you can!
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I like the smell of lavender, it has a charming effect on me!
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Ann – I am enjoying my lavender hand cream and soap – but the best is the aroma of the plant itself, don’t you think??
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Who knew? Lavender fields in Ohio? And not even that far from where I grew up! We’ll take note for a future visit.
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Beth – Definitely worth a visit. It’s right in the middle of their vineyards and wineries 🙂
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Love this. Lavender is great for allergies too. What a fun trip.
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Bee – should I tell you I am first a fan of honey (and bees??)?
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Wonderful. Without the bee there would be no honey.
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My next door neighbour has a lavender bush in the front garden. We arrived home well after midnight last night and when I opened the curtains this morning it was radiant with sunshine. 🙂 Really beautiful! I know of a lavender farm in Yorkshire and I may just be tempted to go now. Thanks a lot for sharing, Susan.
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RJo – please, do visit your lavender farm. I had never been in a field of lavender and it is just glorious. I’ve now planted three in pots near our door, so one day, I’ll have that scent when I wake up!
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Fabulous! I can never resist running my fingers through it. It grows wild in the Algarve, and in its green form too. 🙂
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Green?! I just found out about the white lavender, and now you tell me there’s also green!!! Wonderful.
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I can almost smell them!
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Me, too, Cindy. In fact, I have been so taken with lavender, I planted one in a pot right next to my front door. Lovely:)
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