Did you know? Livingston County is conveniently close to three lavender farms

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Livingston County is known for many things, but lavender typically isn’t one of them. And yet, lavender has a strong presence in the area.

According to Ryan Mack of Belle Lavande Lavender Farm, lavender is in season in Michigan from the end of June to mid-July. The purple flower is known for its aesthetic appearance, pleasant fragrance and delicate taste.

Many lavender farms have expanded beyond basic u-pick service. From developing and selling lavender-based products to hosting classes and events, lavender farms are quickly becoming multi-faceted destinations.

Here's a guide of where to find them in and around Livingston County:

Hamlett Lavender Farm

Hamlett Lavender Farm in Pinckney established roots in 2018. Along with u-pick offerings, the family farm sells homemade, all-natural lavender products, including soap, body scrubs and baked goods. Shoppers can book appointments at their farm stand, the Lavender Shed.

“We hand-make our products, and we cook a lot with lavender,” said Regina Hamlett, one of the farm’s founders and owners.

The farm is located at 10722 Stinchfield Woods Road in Pinckney, though that isn’t the only place they market their products. Hamlet Lavender Farm accommodates online orders and organizes the Livingston Farmers Market at the Schell Family Farm in Putnam Township.

hamlettlavenderfarm.square.site.

Belle Lavande Lavender Farm

Belle Lavande Lavender Farm owners Windy and Terry Mack are familiar with the business. They launched their lavender-themed shop in Plymouth in 2022, then opened their organic farm to the public in June 2023.

Belle Lavande offers an extensive selection of lavender-themed goods, including soap, lotion, salve and body wash. The goods are currently available both at the Plymouth store and online, but the family also plans to open a pole barn shop at the farm — which has a butterfly garden, u-pick, and a variety of classes.

Subscribe:Get unlimited access to our local coverage

The 40-acre farm, located at 2454 Kane Road in White Oak Township along the line between Livingston County and Ingham County, has plans to continue expanding. Visit belle-lavande.com/farm for updates.

Ocimeae Lavender Farm

Located just outside Livingston County in Webberville, Ocimeae Lavender Farm is known both for its lavender and its capacity for hosting events. The farm hosts annual u-pick festivals in July, plus art events, yoga classes and weekly date nights. The farm has a history of holding weddings in a timber-frame barn, or even in the lavender fields.

Throughout lavender season, the farm provides a step-by-step breakdown of the process, from growing to pruning to harvesting. The farm also teaches visitors how to transform lavender into products like essential oil through stilling classes.

Visit the farm at 3123 Gramer Road in Webberville and learn more at ocimeaelavenderfarm.com.

— Ari Hickman is a junior at Brighton High School and a freelancer for The Livingston Daily. Contact the newsroom at newsroom@livingstondaily.com.