Have you ever wished to bask in the soothing aroma of freshly cut lavender while surrounded by serene countryside views? For many visitors to Lavender Ridge Farms in Gainesville, Texas, this picturesque experience became a weekend reality.
Over the weekend, dozens of nature enthusiasts flocked to Lavender Ridge Farms to partake in a delightful tradition—cutting and taking home bunches of lavender. Jerry Ware, a co-owner of the farm, shared insights on the timing, explaining, "It starts budding up in April, but it takes all the way through May and most of the time the 1st of June. It’s perfect for cutting." This period marks the peak bloom for lavender, making it an ideal time for harvesting.
Established in 2006 by Jane Dane and Jerry Ware, Lavender Ridge Farms is renowned for its captivating lavender fields. "We grow a French hybrid lavender because it does the best in Texas. We actually grow one that is called sensational," Ware mentioned. This specific variety is well-suited to the Texan climate, flourishing against the odds.
The farm offers a unique opportunity for visitors. Equipped with baskets and scissors, guests venture into the open fields to select their preferred lavender bunches. Ware elaborated on the preservation process, advising, "We instruct them to take it home, hang it upside down for a couple of weeks in a cool dark spot so it retains its color, and then you've got dried lavender to do with whatever you want: decorate, cook or make sachets." For just eight dollars, visitors can fill a twist tie with as much lavender as they can pick.
One long-time customer, Pamela Grayson, shared her enthusiasm, saying, "I give some of it to friends and I dry it and I make sachets, and sometimes I'll put it in my flower arrangements and just smell it. I hang it in my house, you know, for smell, because it’s very relaxing." Her sentiment echoes the broader appeal of lavender, celebrated for its calming scent and versatile uses.
Beyond the lavender cutting experience, the farm offers a range of other attractions, making it a charming day trip destination. Dane highlighted the variety, noting, "[It's] a nice variety for anybody. So it’s a great little getaway for lunch and shopping, and we have a plant nursery and really fun animals." Indeed, visitors can enjoy food, drinks, shopping, and more, adding layers of enjoyment to their visit.
The story of Lavender Ridge Farms is one of community and the simple joys of nature. It’s a reminder of the unique pleasures found in small experiences, like the scent of lavender on a warm day or the satisfaction of picking your own bouquet. As lavender continues to bloom each year, so too does the tradition of visiting Lavender Ridge Farms, offering a fragrant escape to all who wander there.
