Fragrant Fields Abound Outside Doylestown

Visitors stopping by Peace Valley Lavender Farm right now will behold a pleasing scene of beautiful plants casting just a whisper of purple on the rural landscape.

Inhale and you’ll be inundated with a heady fragrance that has been perfuming the air since biblical times.

Visuals and scents aside, you may also experience a sense of peace and well-being while you’re there.

It’s one of the many attributes for which the age-old plant is recognized.

“Lavender is known for its calming and soothing effects,” explained Patti Lyons, who, with her husband, George, owns the New Britain Township farm that overlooks Lake Galena and Peace Valley Park.

This is the high season for the herb, which is a member of the mint family. Bees and butterflies are sharing the fields with visitors – all attracted to the sights and aromas offered by the lavender.

It’s harvest time at the 5-acre farm. The Lyons raise more than 3,000 plants in six varieties of lavender, chosen for their hardiness and production value. The blossoms, stems and leaves are used to produce a wide variety of products: dried floral arrangements, bath and body items, culinary ingredients, and sachets and pillows.

Lyons distills the plants to extract essential oils and scented water that is used in some of the products they sell.

On a recent day, Lyons was conducting a tour of the field and spoke to the group about some of the natural healing properties of the plant.

Aside from reducing stress, it’s used as a sleep aid, an insect repellent, a circulatory and immune system stimulant, a relief for headaches, an analgesic for muscle aches and to ease scrapes and burns.

It’s safe to use on pets, too. Lavender oil can be used for flea control.

The Lyons have a background in agriculture, formerly owning Blue Moon Acres in Buckingham.

The pair sold their shares in that farm to George’s brother and wife, Jim and Kathy Lyons, who also were involved in the operation that produces micro greens for restaurants and caterers.

They purchased the New Britain property and built their lavender business about 12 years ago.

“Lavender is a really versatile plant,” said Lyons, explaining their decision to focus solely on that plant.

“It’s beautiful and fragrant, and you can use the oils in so many products.”

The selling point for her husband and business partner, though, was more basic: the deer wouldn’t touch it. The couple would be able to grow the plant without worrying about damage from wildlife.

The scent of lavender is readily identifiable, said Lyons, and often plays on the sentiments of those breathing it in.

“Some people say it reminds them of their mother or grandmother,” said Lyons, with a pleasurable memory often enhancing the perfumed bouquet.

The farm has a full range of lavender-related articles for sale, but some of the more popular items include sheet and pillow spray, liquid soap and lavender shea butter.

The shea butter is what Jill Bruzzichesi of Hackettstown, N.J., came for.

“The last time I was here, I bought a ton of stuff,” she said. “I love the smell!”

There’s still time to catch the blooms. Lyons said all the lavender should be harvested by around the second week in July.

After visiting the farm, make the trek to Tabora Farm & Orchard nearby. The country store uses Peace Valley’s lavender to make homemade lavender ice cream.

Peace Valley Lavender Farm is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Visit the gift shop or order online at www.peacevalleylavender.com.