In Love with Lavender

Lavender is a well loved herb in our family and one which I cherish dearly, enough to name my blog after in fact! I have such fond memories of my Nan who adored the smell and would buy lotions and pillows to adorn her home. My Mum also loves Lavender so it’s a love that’s been passed down through the generations which is why my plot now has 6 bushes, two of which are looking stunningly beautiful right now. The other 4 were planted out this Spring so have quite a way to grow until they reach their peak but I absolutely love seeing those delicately scented flowers blowing in the wind and often covered with busy bees who are enjoying them as much as I am.

3 years ago me and my parents went to visit a local Lavender farm in Landford called The New Forest Lavender Farm. It was one of the best days out that year but since then we’ve been too busy and often missed the Lavender season altogether, so I made it my mission to visit this year. Off I went with my Mum for a girly trip out, to eat cake and to immerse ourselves in the scent of Lavender… I couldn’t wait!

The tearooms were extremely busy when we arrived although this wasn’t a surprise, the location and setting is simply stunning plus the menu boasts some delicious treats which explains why people love it so much. We settled down in a corner with a view and a parasol which was much needed during this little UK heatwave. I ordered the Lavender cream scone and my Mum ordered a Lavender and Raspberry cake slice plus we both couldn’t resist the Lavender lemonade. I can honestly say that it was the most delicious scone I have ever tasted and the lemonade was so refreshing! After finishing our cakes we made a promise to ourselves to come back later and try the Lavender ice cream, you can’t not eat Lavender flavoured treats when at a Lavender farm after all right?!

The gardens have changed a lot since we were here 3 years ago, there’s lots more to look at and you can venture further into the farm and the second Lavender field beyond. After taking a few photographs in the mini Lavender field by the tearooms we wandered around the wild gardens and I marveled at all the pretty flowers and colour combinations being used. There was a bed of brightly coloured Zinnias, Cosmos, Ammi Majus, Cornflowers, Poppies, dried Allium heads and I fell completely and utterly in love with some white Astrantia.

The gardens had winding paths which lead you in different directions and made you stumble across more beautiful flowers and features. We walked through a large wooden archway and headed towards the larger Lavender field to take in all it’s beauty before having a look at the sunflower display at the back of the open gardens. We then kept our promise and headed back to the tearooms to tuck into some of that Lavender ice cream and it didn’t disappoint… it was the BEST ice cream and the Lavender flavour was amazing!

As we headed towards the exit I couldn’t help but have a peek at the little vegetable garden which was small but so very perfect, filled with everything you could ever need and it had the prettiest gate. A quick look around the garden centre to see if I could spot that Astrantia that I had fallen in love with but no such luck, we left empty handed but with full bellies and happy hearts. I’m going to make it my mission to start the tradition of coming here every year during the Lavender season. It’s the most perfect day out in a beautiful setting and the most delicious cakes you could ever dream off. What more could you want?!