Discovering Provence in the heart of Somerset
As you walk through a gap in a Cotswold stone wall and are faced with a sea of purple lavender, teaming with bees, it’s easy to forget you’re in the Somerset countryside.
Located just 10 miles south of Bath, Somerset Lavender is a little slice of France on an old dairy farm run by Francis and Judith Green.
Having struggled with low milk price, in 2002 the Greens decided that diversification was the only option for survival. Initially the plan was to run the lavender farm alongside the herd of Guernsey cows, but when milk price dropped further, they made the gut-wrenching decision to sell the herd and focus on lavender.
Today, visitors come from miles around to walk the 10 acres of lavender, visit the cafe and shop or perhaps buy a plant or two. As Judith says: “We’ve always said if we produce things with integrity, honesty and love, people will come back” - and they do (me being one of them).
Growing lavender was initially a bit of a learning curve for Francis and Judith. As a Mediterranean plant, lavender loves very free draining soil that’s more alkaline, however the dairy farm’s soils were rich and fertile. As a result, they trialled growing various types of lavender to see what would work best.
Today most of the fields are planted with augustifola, although there is a spread of different types to create a wide flowering window (that means the fields are prettier for longer!) and production of different oils.
The lavender oil is made on farm throughout the harvest season, which runs from July to August. It’s used to make various products available in the shop including soaps, essential oils and candles. The dried flowers are also used to make things like wheat and lavender warmers and eye patches, which are hand sown by both Judith and Francis.
The cafe is a perfect spot to relax after walking the lavender fields and taking in the amazing scent. It’s reached down a path lined with bright green alchemilla mollis and lavender which runs past the plant nursery. There’s loads of tables and chairs to choose from on the grass; the perfect spot to try a slice of Judith’s almond and lavender cake and a cup of white tea with lavender (a definite must try!), whilst taking in the view.
Judith’s Tips for Growing Lavender
Free draining soil is essential - it does not like bark or water retention
• Preparation is key - you need a good clean flower bed to start with
• Plant on a mound or add grit to soil so it drains well
• Mix one third grit with two thirds compost in a flowerbed or pot
• Avoid the shade - lavender loves the sun
• When growing a less hardy variety like a stoechas, grow in a sheltered area, in a pot or fleece it over the winter
• Prune the plant as soon as the flowers go over.
Country Girl Ratings
WHEN TO VISIT
June to August is the best time to see the fields in full bloom. The farm is open from May to September, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
WHERE IS IT
Horsepond Farm, Faulkland, Somerset, BA2 5WA.
PAW RATING
Dogs are welcome in the gardens and fields on leads but not inside the cafe. That said, it can be a bit hot for them out in the fields.
OTHER PLACES IN THE AREA
Pond Cottages
It’s worth stopping to see the row of cottages on the entrance to the lavender farm which are located across a footbridge over a pond (there’s a short footpath that runs along the front).
Mells
The pretty village of Mells with its walled garden and cafe, pretty post office and pub is just a 15 minute drive away. Read my post about it here!
