Article
Lavender
Many people, if asked to imagine themselves in Provence, would envision lavender fields and bring to mind its wonderfully intoxicating scent. The simple pleasures of this ancient herb are now available right here in Elgin County, the specialty of four unique businesses. 
En Fleur Lavender in Bloom, south of Sparta, is owned by Janine Tucker. It is the legacy of a little property that has inspired its owners to grow things since the 19th century. Ancient apple trees planted by Irish Settlers still provide an abundance of fresh fruit. The most recent past owners took pride in their wild roses and Hydrangea and nurtured a wide variety of trees from seedling to towering specimens over many years.
Janine’s mom has long been an avid perennial gardener and passed on this enthusiasm to her daughter. Consequently, Janine’s first planting at the farm was to create a large formal oval Lavender Garden near the house. Each year since, the lavender gardens have expanded.
Though her gardens are open by appointment, Janine chooses to share the lavender bounty mainly through local markets. Customers there look forward to her appearance with the first cut bundles of the season, a line of select outsourced products and several of Janine’s own hand-crafted creations. She specializes in custom-made crafted or sewn items. Janine also makes the ultimate, non-pharmaceutical sleep aid—pillow liners of cotton or hemp/silk material filled with alpaca fleece and the relaxing scent of lavender.
For more information: phone 519.775.2240; go to www.lavenderinbloom.com; arrange a visit to En Fleur Lavender in Bloom by appt or find Janine’s lavender products at Covent Market Garden in London & Horton Market in St. Thomas. Check the website for availability and more locations.
Lavender Blue is a short jaunt east from the historic village of Sparta. Owner Suzanne Steed thinks it’s a very fitting place for a lavender farm, since a sect of Quakers introduced commercial lavender growing to North America, and Quakers were also the founders of Sparta.
Visitors to Lavender Blue can stop to admire the horses, follow the pathway to a serenely beautiful little shop, then stroll the lavender gardens. Since the business opened in 2007, Suzanne has developed a number of tasteful products for bath, body, home and garden, as well as tasty preserves, condiments and other lavender-laced foods.
Lavender Blue products have found a fan in Jonathan Collins, a local chef (Lakeview in Eagle, Shutters on the Beach in Port Bruce) who is also asked to cook frequently at the Prime Minister’s residence. Jonathan often uses lavender in his cooking. He helped to prepare the meal for President Obama’s visit, a regional feast that ended with a Yogurt Pot de Crème with Lemon and Lavender Syrup. Jonathan has also made sure that there was a full sampling of Lavender Blue products available and now being enjoyed at 24 Sussex Drive.
For more information: phone 519.494.5525; go to www.lavenderblue.ca; visit Lavender Blue Lavender Farm at 47589 Sparta Line, Sparta – Thursday to Saturday 10 to 5, Sun 12 to 4, from Mother’s Day through Christmas.
After several international work assignments around the world, Pamela and Jesper Andersen decided that it was time to settle down somewhere away from the city hustle and bustle, and closer to family. They discovered a beautifully restored and expanded century-old farmstead nestled on an idyllic property near Lake Erie. It was a place they could call home, and one they wanted to share with others.
They envisioned a big field of lavender, perfect for strolling and for picking bunches of the fragrant blossoms. Their dream was kick-started this May with the planting of over 4,000 greenhouse matured lavender plants which will be ready to pick in July this year.
Visitors to Lavender Sense will also be able to walk the 25 acres of trailed forest, and browse for gifts from an assortment of carefully prepared lavender products, and angels of all shapes and forms from Pamela’s angel shop. Visitors will no doubt want to linger at this lavender haven, explore its nature and maybe even stay over in one of the guest retreat rooms of the B&B.
The couple plans to evolve their dream over time into a greater tourist destination with guided tours, lavender education, amazing shopping and more.
For more information: phone 519.762.2188 ; go to www.lavendersense.comhttp://www.lavendersense.com; visit Angels Welcome and Lavender Sense at 28011 Ash Line, Wallacetown – Thursday to Saturday 10 to 5, Sun 12 to 5, from July 1 to Labour Day (including August 3).
Heritage Line Herbs is an herb farm, outdoor tearoom and retail store. Deb and Tom Benner specialize in potted and dried herbs, drying them slowly to preserve their flavour and aroma. In 2003, they made the conversion from tobacco production and have been making innovative changes to their operation ever since.
Lavender is just one of the 150 herbs that the Benner’s grow. It belongs to a large family of aromatic herbs that includes mint, rosemary and sage. At Heritage Line, you can savour lunch or high tea in the Silver Birch Tearoom surrounded by the scents and sights of flowering herbs, including lavender. Or just sit by the waterfall a while and sip a glass of lavender-spiked lemonade. You may be inspired to grow some of your own. If so, you will have a choice of 12 varieties.
The farm hosts many popular special events throughout the year, as well as classes on growing and cooking with all kinds of herbs. Deb urges attendees to experiment in the kitchen, letting personal taste be the guide. She has also authored a helpful cookbook with plenty of suggestions as a starting point for your creativity.
For more information: phone 519.866.5577; go to www.heritagelineherbs.com; visit at 53443 Heritage Line, RR #1 Aylmer – Mon to Fri 10 to 5, Sat 10 to 4, all year; Sun 12-4 for summer; Silver Birch Tea Room (outdoors) from June 1st to September 30th (Mon-Sat).