To anyone who’s never been there, the Cape Cod Lavender Farm is a bit of a curiosity. It’s tucked away down a long, tree-lined dirt road and, once you finally come to the end, it opens to a scene out of a story book. In front of you sits a small wooden cottage, emanating loads of charm and fairy tale-like whimsy, and practically welcoming you to come in and take a look.
The farm opened in 1995 and started out by selling two great products: lavender plants and lavender soap (made locally, the old-fashioned way). Today, owners Cynthia and Matthew Sutphin sell almost two dozen lavender products, including home décor, culinary, and lavender-infused selections for the mind and body at their farm gift shop.
Lavender is widely used around the world and has an enormous range of applications, from food and fragrance to cosmetics and herbal medicines. The plant is full of essential oils that can have powerful effects on the human body and has the most distinctive and treasured scents in the world. It also touts many health benefits such as reducing stress and anxiety as well as assisting in sleep-related issues, it holds antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities, and is said to be good for heart health and in preventing digestive issues.
Lavender is a perennial flowering plant and has been known to survive up to 15 years in home gardens. Longevity can be increase through many methods of lavender growing. It requires six or more hours of direct sun, elbow room in the garden (it doesn’t like to be crammed in with other plants) and good drainage. Soil preparation, drainage, pruning, winter protection and proper harvesting can result in a life-long lavender hedge.
The scent of lavender is simple and calming. Breathing it in relaxes the senses. And wandering around the acreage of the Cape Cod Lavender Farm is a must if you’re seeking calmness. In the dappled light through the trees, you can follow the winding footpath and just meander around the open space where the lavender plants await the warmth of late June/early July to show their full bloom. Breathe in the clean air, and enjoy the 12 acres of the farm property, and its 7,000 lavender plants, or explore the 60 acres of conservation land and groomed walking trails that surround it.
After your walk, discover the special delights of the shop, where you’ll find all kinds of gift ideas – for yourself or for someone else. The Sutpins carry a variety of lovely sachets, creams, candles, body-care items, cooking herbs, lavender lemonade, neck pillows, soaps, all-natural bug repellants and so much more (I bought the Lavender Room Rain on my particular visit). Outside the cottage, pots and pots of young lavender plants wait for you to take them home.
You can buy individual potted plants, fresh-picked bouquets to dry, and all sorts of products sprung from the farm’s bounty: Sachets, handmade skincare products and even edibles, like the ultra-popular Lavender-Lemon Marmalade.
The Cape Cod Lavender Farm is a destination for weddings, as well, and has grown in its popularity as a wedding backdrop. The allure of the farm and its simplicity attract many couples to hold their nuptials here. In the summer, it is absolutely stunning. The Sutphins constantly strive to avoid the complicated and maintain that simplicity.
You can stop by the farm any time, off Weston Woods Road in Harwich, and celebrate the senses. You can also visit them at capecodlavendarfarm.com.
About Ann Luongo
