Lavender season in New Jersey typically runs from mid-June to early July. This is when the lavender plants are in full bloom, offering the best time to visit the farms for the most vibrant and fragrant experience. Different varieties of lavender may have slightly different blooming periods, but generally, this mid-summer window is ideal for seeing and harvesting lavender.
Visiting a lavender farm offers a variety of benefits and enjoyable experiences:
- Relaxation and Stress Relief: Lavender is well-known for its calming properties. The scent of lavender has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve mood. Spending time in a lavender field can provide a natural, soothing escape from daily stresses.
- Beautiful Scenery and Photography Opportunities: Lavender farms provide stunning, picturesque landscapes with vibrant purple fields, perfect for photography. Many farms encourage visitors to take photos, making it a great spot for capturing beautiful memories.
- Educational Experiences: Visiting a lavender farm can be educational, offering insights into how lavender is grown, harvested, and processed. Many farms also provide information on the different varieties of lavender and their uses.
- Unique Activities and Events: Lavender farms often offer a range of unique activities such as lavender picking, workshops, and special events. Some farms provide additional attractions like goat yoga, alpaca walking, and farm tours, making the visit enjoyable for people of all ages.
- Health and Wellness Products: Many lavender farms have on-site shops where visitors can purchase a variety of lavender products, including essential oils, soaps, lotions, and culinary items. These products often use organically grown lavender and are valued for their health and wellness benefits.
- Culinary Delights: Some farms offer culinary experiences, showcasing how lavender can be used in cooking and baking. Visitors can enjoy treats like lavender lemonade, lavender ice cream, and other lavender-infused foods.
- Supporting Local Agriculture: By visiting a lavender farm, you support local farmers and sustainable agricultural practices. Many lavender farms are family-owned and operated, and your visit helps sustain their livelihoods and promotes eco-friendly farming.
Overall, a trip to a lavender farm can be a delightful, multi-sensory experience that combines relaxation, education, and fun activities in a beautiful natural setting. Here are several lavender farms in New Jersey where you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of lavender fields: - Orchard View Lavender Farm – Located in Port Murray, this farm offers a serene environment with over 1,300 lavender plants. Visitors can cut their own lavender and explore the gift shop which sells various lavender products including fresh and dried lavender, bath and body products, and more. The farm is open from May to December on weekends.
- Princeton Lavender Farm – Situated in Princeton, this farm grows multiple varieties of lavender and also features goats and chickens. Visitors can enjoy lavender-inspired treats like lavender coffee and lemonade, and purchase lavender and honey products at the farm stand.
- Hidden Spring Lavender Farm – This farm in Skillman not only grows a variety of lavender but also hosts alpacas and offers alpaca walking experiences. The farm shop sells a range of lavender products, and visitors can enjoy the peaceful lavender fields during bloom season.
- Pleasant Valley Lavender Farm – Located in Morganville, this farm has about 2,000 lavender plants and offers U-pick lavender experiences. The farm shop sells lavender bundles, dried lavender, sachets, soaps, and more. It’s open to the public during the summer months.
- Mad Lavender Farm – In Milford, this farm provides a whimsical experience with activities like goat yoga and a lavender labyrinth. The farm also offers various workshops and a shop with handmade lavender products. Lavender picking is available from mid-June to early July.
- Happy Day Farm – This farm in Manalapan features a lavender garden where visitors can take photos and enjoy the scenic views. The farm also has a petting zoo and seasonal activities like paintball.
