All across America  lavender farms are tidying up after winter and getting their lavender fields, gardens, and shops ready for the coming “crop” of warm weather visitors.  Each season I try to stop by as many lavender farms and gardens as I can–some in the Atlantic coast region where I live, others at spots where I happen to be vacationing or traveling to teach or learn about lavender. Each place is unique and special, and I always come away inspired and refreshed. (And with some culinary lavender samples to try, of course!)

I urge you to take time this summer to go visit a lavender farm or garden near you. You’ll be supporting environmentally friendly agriculture and mostly small family businesses, which tend to be well-loved and cared for by welcoming owners. Be sure to go on line and check the dates and opening times before heading out though. While some farms are open every day of the week, others are not. And many are only open during the lavender growing season–from May to August.

Here are some lavender farms that happen to be customers of mine. If you visit tell them I mentioned them in this post. And, if you don’t have a copy of my book (yet!), take the opportunity to look at it while you’re browsing in their gift shop or barn. And do buy some culinary lavender–I’ve posted several tempting recipes here on my site for  you to try.

Some culinary lavender recipes you might enjoy:

Fresh lavender raspberry cobbler 

Savory popcorn with lavender-herb seasoning blend