Lavendar fields forever

It's a grey day in Grey County. We got more than an inch of rain in overnight thunderstorms. Supposed to clear up and be sunny today, though.

Yesterday, I took myself off to the Meaford Lavendar Festival at The Purple Hollow farm. Our farmette grass was getting rather like a hay field, so Rob stayed home to ride the John Deere.

I managed to get there in time for the tour, led by Emily, who owns the place. She's in the black T-shirt, and she'd a very enthusiastic lavendar lady.

This field was planted in 2021. The big, blowsy plants don't need too much coddling, although Emily said that they had to experiment with a few varieties to find one that could withstand the wind and bitter cold of Grey Highlands.

They also have to "wrap" the fields in a fleece before winter. Kind of like putting them to bed. As they grow, she trims them up so they turn into these packed mounds with lots of blooms. Lavendar is actually a Mediterranean plant, so it doesn't need much moisture.

The plants grow quickly. As you can see, in four years, these got to about waist height (on me, anyway).

The festival included live music, food, and a vendor's spot where local artisans put out their wares.

After last weekend, I thought I was shopped out. But no. I couldn't resist this little beauty made by The Magical Glass Ladies, one of whom told me she had just made it the day before. I think it's pretty cool for $20.

The grounds around the farm are beautiful. A wildflower field is situated right behind the house and

they had the copper kettles and boilers set up where they make their lavendar-y treats. Like essential oils, body butter, lotions and scrubs.

Summertime is festival time, and I'm so grateful to be able to get outside and explore what the locals have to offer.

Until next week. Gratuitous cat photo courtesy of Wilma (top) and Fred, who were arguing about their positioning in the mudroom sunbeam. They finally did compromise.