By Jack Cafretsas
Summerhouse Lavender Farm
The Summerhouse Lavender Farm will offer an educational experience on its farm: The Summerhouse Seminar Series. Guests are invited to take part in planting, demonstrations, and games while enjoying crafty culinary creations. Plates and Planting, the first of the events, takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The bitter temperatures of 2019’s final winter storms damaged many of Dan McGavin and Carol Brown’s lavender crop. But instead of seeing loss, the farm owners saw opportunity.
“These events are a celebration of rebirth,” said McGavin.
The couple envisioned the events as an opportunity for the community to discover the magic of the lavender growing process. Attendees will get to learn proper planting techniques, lavender care, harvesting and distilling of the plant.
The day will be topped off by enjoying culinary creations derived from lavender, such as lemonade and cookies. Attendees will also get to sample their new line of grilling spice, and enjoy hotdogs provided by the Douglas Root Beer Barrel. Games and other activities are also part of the experience for attendees.
Feeling a drive to keep active after retirement, McGavin and Brown built the lavender farm piece by piece on their Fennville property. The farm is still actively growing, recently expanding into the farm’s back pastures.
“We said to ourselves, ‘what do we do now,’” said Brown, who is a former professor of communications.
Hops and other crops were considered before the two decided on lavender as their new pursuit. From there, they found a one-acre plot in Fennville where they began assembling their dream plant by plant.
The farm now features approximately 825 plants of seven varieties. With these, a host of creations are hand-crafted. Products such as lotions, soap, essential oils, and even honey from the farm’s bees all come from the organically grown lavender.
Inspired by the calming effects of lavender, the farm has integrated fountains and Zen gardens to create a sense of calm restfulness. The atmosphere is designed to reduce stress as visitors come to reconnect with nature.
Brown and McGavin say the farm’s motto is, “a creative respect for land, lavender and people.” However, the two say they cherish the people the most.
“We just want to share what we have created here with those who will love it just as we do,” McGavin said.
More information and pre-sale tickets for the first workshop can be found through the farms Facebook page. Admission for the event is $10. By following the page, fans can stay up to date on the next two workshops which are yet to be announced.
About the SummerHouse Lavender Farm
The Summerhouse Lavender Farm is located at 2976 65th Street, Fennville, MI. The farm grows seven varieties of plants, with a total of approximately 825 plants. A variety of products, from lotions to essential oils, are available for purchase. For more information call 616.218.5793 or email info@summerhouselavender.com.
