BLUE MOUNTAIN LAVENDER FARM-ENCORE

A Little Bit of Provence

Three years ago I was motoring through the poppy and lavender fields of southern France. Then last July, I discovered this little piece of Provence right in my backyard. I vowed then to return the following season which I did on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. What a treat for the spirit.

While the lavender fields themselves weren't open for U-Pick quite yet, there was still enough to see and to smell to bring me back. But I wont have to wait long, as the fields should be ready for picking by June 1.

In addition to U-Pick lavender, the farm also sells a variety of lavender plants to bring a bit of fragrant Provence to your own home garden.

While the lavender plants grow best in full sun, there are plenty of shady areas like this for visitors to relax or enjoy a picnic while taking in the view or listening to the owner's eclectic playlist of French and American tunes.

The farm also has a lovely Farm Boutique of lavender related products including fragrant soaps, sachets and bouquets as well as packets of the dried lavender lemonade which is served as a complimentary sample on the shaded patio.

For more information or driving directions, find the farm on Facebook or follow this link:  www.bluemountainlavender.com

PARTING SHOTS OF BLUE MOUNTAIN LAVENDER FARM

Lavender Fields Forever

BLUE MOUNTAIN LAVENDER FARM, ENCORE

Sun, heat, flowers . . . a summer time trifecta.

A LITTLE BIT OF PROVENCE

Blue Mountain Lavender Farm

In case a trip to Provence in southern France is not in your plans this summer, a short drive from Walla Walla can lead you the next best thing. Blue Mountain Lavender Farm outside of Lowden is a touch of Provence in Southeast Washington State.

Even though I have lived in Walla Walla for going on 30 years, and the Lavender Farm has been in existence 17 years, this was my first visit. I don't know what took me so long because it is indeed a magical place. The scent of lavender permeates the air and today's breeze helped dispel the heat as I walked among the rows of lavender and other colorful perennials. 

In addition to the glorious scent, the gentle strains of music could be heard emanating from the barn, apparently the personal playlist of owner Karen Grimaud's husband who is French. 

While Provence may be 5415 miles away, the views and the smells had me convinced that I was in France.

The farm sits on 20 acres with two acres planted in 25+ varieties of lavender along with other blooming plants. Set among the rows are two vine-covered pergolas where guests may rest in the shade while cutting lavender bouquets to take home.

Or, take a seat in one of these lawn chairs set under a row of shade trees with a broad vista of the rows of lavender and beyond.

Unfortunately, the Blue Mountain Lavender Farm is open for U-Cut lavender harvest only until July 16, although the Farm Boutique is open year-round by appointment. I'll be sure to visit earlier in the season next year to get the full effect of row upon row of bushy lavender plants.