Blue Willow Lavender Farm - And So Much More
Today a quick trip to the Key Peninsula and a "relaxing" visit with Blue Willow Lavender Farm....
With over 2,500 lavender plants and more on the way, you'll be amazed by the splendor of Blue Willow Lavender Farm--and relaxed by the smell in the air and wonderfully friendly farmers, Bill and Tracy Ketts. What seems like a world away, Blue Willow Lavender Farm, is just a hop, skip, and a jump across the Purdy Bridge and out on Key Peninsula.
Since 2008, Bill and Tracy have been planting this 15 acre lavender oasis with over 58 varieties, including many culinary lavenders as well as full garden and fruit trees. Note: not all lavender is edible--good to know. I learned this and so much more talking to Bill and Tracy, both incredibly knowledgeable about lavender. Tracy showed me how they separate the lavender buds from the stems and I learned that there is a window of time when best to pick, between 10am and 2pm. If you want to know why, I suggest you ask the resident "lavender cat" Binks... you can reach him on their website in the Ask Binks section ( = pretty great): http://www.bluewillowlavenderfarm.com/Blue_Willow_Lavender_Farm/Ask_Binks.html. He's the feline Dear Abby of lavender, if you will, with a little assistance on the typing from Bill of course.
The farm and farm store are open for visitors from Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. At the farm store, a 1914 built cottage, you can pick up all kinds of sweet smelling lavender products, live lavender plants, local artisan pottery and jewelry, as well as garden fresh produce like cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, and fruit picked right off the tree--chin dripping peaches and delicate yellow plums. (heirloom apples and loads of squash soon to come.) You can visit Bill, Tracy, and Binks' website for more information, calendar of events, and most importantly, directions. Another great reason to take a day trip out to the Peninsula! www.bluewillowlavenderfarm.com.
Take part in the fun at their upcoming lavender wreath making class on August 28th. (RSVP and details through their website, only 5 spots left!) or save the date for Saturday, October 2nd when they will participate in Harvestfest, a free tour of local farms throughout Pierce County!
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For more info on local farms, what's in season, and events, visit the Pride of Pierce County homepage, www.prideofpiercecounty.com
