Small Town’s Hidden Gem-The Lavender Farm

From the big city to a small town, I love it here in the new place where our house is nestled within the scenic Niagara Escarpment. Since we’re pretty new in the area, I have been exploring this township and was very happy with my recent discovery. I discovered a feel akin to South of France (without the airfare). Just around fifteen minutes away from where I live, I found a piece of paradise called Terre Bleu Lavender Farm. Hmmm, it smells divine in here from the moment you enter the gate. No, it’s not the pearly gate but it’s more like gate to heaven. I promise.

The field is in its glory during the summer and the lavender farm is only open to the public until the end of August. So, come join me stroll this piece of paradise, engage your senses and feel free to immerse yourself in the scenic poetry and landscape of this lavender field. Are you excited?

Terre Bleu is a French term, which means Blue Earth in English. Although in the true French fashion, the correct spelling for “bleu” is “bleue” (notice the “e” at the end). According to their website, they intentionally dropped off the extra “e” just so they are unique. Did they really or they actually forgot the last “e”? Regardless, you will still be overwhelmed to see this amazing site of lavender fields and I suggest you prepare your nostrils in the heavenly breeze that waves all around the place soon as you enter the gate.

This place is not only for plain sight seeing, it was open to the public with a vision in mind to create an “exceptional agro-tourism experience to educate and entertain”. Curious and excited on my new discovery, I went to see what they have to offer and indeed, it is a wonderful place to spend your weekend (they are only open on Saturdays & Sundays in the summer time because they are busy farming during weekdays) and go for a leisurely walk on the field to calm your senses and simply enjoy nature’s beauty and maybe even rest your weary soul. What a perfect weekend escape to fill up your senses!

At the farm, you explore the fields, join the guided tour and learn some stuff including distillation for the lavender’s essential oil and some of its medicinal and culinary uses.

Blooming period is by mid July to early August. The place also offers a tour of the apiary and horse stables perfect for some photo shoots.

$8.00 (HST included) and free for children aged two and under to access and enjoy this picturesque place. It’s gorgeous, educational and well worth a visit.

The name Lavender comes from the Latin verb, "lavare", meaning to wash.

On your way out, don’t forget to grab some gift items organically produced and fairly priced. They have quite a variety of natural products like essential oil, lotions, soap, dried bouquets, wreaths and even some sweets like truffles, shortbread and macaroons.

And, yes the lavender ice cream and refreshing lavender lemonade!

Terre Bleu lavender farm opened its door to the public only in 2012. It’s basically a family farming run business inspired by their passion for nature, and true sense of outdoor living-clean, fresh and soothing. Located just on the edge of wine country, Terre Bleu is a perfect stop on the sideroad and they are literally located on 25 Sideroad in Milton, Ontario.

The farm is focused on producing sustainable and organically grown products that are harvested in the farm itself. And, there’s more than just lavender here. They also have an apiary and sugar shack where maple syrup is made and when you join the tour, they will also teach you how they produce their own honey. For additional entertainment and excitements, watch the horses in the equestrian demonstration ring. In the early spring and winter time though, you can go for sleigh rides on farm horses.

And, while on the lavender topic, might as well explore the many different benefits of lavender. This plant delight with its beauty and fragrant is a versatile herb. It can be used for baking, cooking, tea making, tinctures, soap, lotion, essentials and relaxing aromatherapy and many more.

The antibacterial properties of this fragrant herb's oil made it part of the early materia medica and according to health studies, lavender is good as:

1. Antidepressant
2. Analgesic
3. Antiseptic
4. Cicatrizant
5. Expectorant
6. Nervine
7. Vulnerary

1. Sprains
2. Toothaches
3. Joint Pain
4. Nerve pain
5. Acne

For centuries, it was known as a good aphrodisiac and is one of the most effective scents for relaxing and calming your senses. It is widely used to treat insomnia, stress or depressive headache.

How? Because it contains oil that has sedating effects and help relax tired mind and muscles. Added to your tea, it is also great for diabetes and insulin resistance.

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

For bald spots (alopecia areata): one study used a combination of essential oils including 3 drops (108 mg) of lavender, 3 drops (114 mg) of rosemary, 2 drops (88 mg) of thyme, and 2 drops (94 mg) of cedar wood, all mixed with 3 mL jojoba oil and 20 mL grapeseed oil. Each night, the mixture is massaged into the scalp for 2 minutes with a warm towel placed around the head to increase absorption. ~ Source: webmd

• Anxiety – oral consumption and aromatherapy.
• Hair loss – mix with thyme, rosemary and cedar wood oil and massage to scalp.
• Canker sores – two drops of lavender oil to the affected area 3X daily can improve healing. It also helps reduce swelling and pain.
• Pain after C-section (Cesarean section) – inhale lavender essence while receiving painkillers intravenously (IV) to help reduce the pain after C-section.

But, my most personal favourite use of lavender is that it repels mosquitoes and other insects without the scent of a pesticide or chemical spray.

Dried lavender in sachet makes a great scent for drawers and closets plus it repel insects.

Lavender has been found to be safe for most adults even in food, oral intake or inhaled in medicinal amounts. It is also safe applied to the skin.

However, adverse effects when taken orally may include constipation, headache and increased appetite. And, when applied to the skin may cause some irritation.

Accordingly, applying lavender oil on the skin of young boys who have not reached puberty is possibly unsafe, as it seems to have hormone effects that could disrupt the normal hormones in a boy’s body. There were cases that have resulted in boys developing breast growth called gynecomastia. However, no adverse effect was detected when used by young girls.

If used as a combination with anesthesia and other medications given during and after surgery, lavender may slow down the central nervous system. Health professionals recommend to stop using lavender at least 2 weeks prior to a scheduled surgery. ~ Source: webmd

1. Lavender attracts bees and butterflies but is deer and rabbit resistant.
2. The name Lavender comes from the Latin verb, "lavare", meaning to wash.
3. Nectar from lavender plants are used to make high quality honey.
4. Most lavender plants are blue or purple, but there are some varieties that come in pink and yellow.

Blissful day-trip at the farm may cause relaxed mind, body and soul. Watch the road when driving back home. Even rabbits and porcupines seem to be dosing off and are quite slow crossing the road.

Although the author is enjoying the many benefits of this fragrant herb, this hub is written for information purposes only. Our bodies react differently to different medicines/alternative medicines. What may work for the writer may not necessarily work for you.

Herbs are natural. However, it can interact with other herbs or medicines.

Please consult your doctor or health provider specially if you have some serious ailments before using any lavender essentials. Thank you.

Copyright@CrisSp~TM/08-2015. Read me: "The heart of my soul speaks to the soul of my heart by writing." ~