Just last summer I had the wonderful opportunity to visit a couple lavender farms right on Old Mission Peninsula, located just north of Traverse City (Michigan) for the first time ever. Although it was already past peak season for the lavender plants in this area, there was still plenty of beautiful sites and smells to be taken in and experienced.

The photos you see in this post are of The Secret Garden. What a bunch of beautiful types of lavender and other flowers/plants they have there!

I definitely do not have a green thumb myself – more plants tend to die than live when under my care/watch, and neither do I have much knowledge of plants and flowers. But I sure appreciate the incredible beauty many people are fully capable of creating with their gardens. I did learn a few things about lavender, the calming effects of these plants, etc. and that there are some really good recipes out there that include lavender and lavender oils. I did not realize how versatile lavender is nor how many varieties of this plant there really are.

I learned that lavender is a perennial herb native to the western Mediterranean region and that different types of lavender grow better in different zones. Some have more silky flowers while others are a little smaller. You can also find some lavender that are pink or white, but for they are most commonly found in some shade or other of purple.

Lavender can be used for crafts and also turned into some common household items, such as soaps and potpourris. You can also make essential oils and even teas out it.

Now back to where I visited the other day, The Secret Garden… besides of course the lavender garden, they have their own winery, blueberry and strawberry patches as well as a cute gift shop containing items which were created having been inspired by lavender. It’s located just a short few miles north of Traverse City, MI right on Old Mission Peninsula.

Considering Old Mission Peninsula being only 18 miles long, there are quite a few gardens (including this one), shops, wineries, bed and breakfasts, and even a lighthouse at the very far north end (there are even several hiking trails and a beach there as well!!!).

For many people, Traverse City is a bit of a hustling and bustling town (for me it doesn’t feel so much that way, but that’s because I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago), but you get out into Old Mission Peninsula a few miles and you feel like you are in a completely different world. Peaceful, quiet, etc.

If you ever make it to Traverse City, MI, a trip up Old Mission Peninsula (including a stop at The Secret Garden) is highly recommended. Bring some food along and have yourself a picnic. Although I have been living in this area for a number of years and have vacation up here for just as long before moving here, I am still constantly discovering new places and sites to visit and see as well as activities to do. It is a very popular place with tourists, and I totally see why. Tourism is a very vital industry to Traverse City and the surrounding areas.

Here are a few links to some lavender related websites:

Lavender Farms in the Midwest (this is not a comprehensive list, and the one I visited isn’t here but it’ll at least get you started on exploring lavender farms)

Growing Lavender (I love the smell of lavender and the looks of it as well, maybe I should study up on growing it to see if it would even be possible for me :))

Benefits (and risks) of Lavender (Interesting place to read up more on the benefits, etc. of lavender besides the beautiful smells and view!! (beauty in its own right is therapy))